Why would I ask outside of these groups? If I wanted information or knowledge about something, would I not seek out the best if I could? You do not go to a grade school teacher to learn the complexity of calculus!
Every single member in the AOM / Blue Knight circle started and inhabited our place outside of that circle. These 2 groups (not the only 2) have cultivated a wealth of AH2 experience and understanding, and if the majority in groups such as these think a certain way, maybe just maybe it is from experience and "time served" NOT because I/they are part of some clique.
You seem to largely mistake talent for experience.
The groups you refer to are largely talented within the context of the game. There are much larger contingents who have much more experience (although several members of the referenced groups do as well).
I'm glad you have people you look up to but disregarding experience for talent may be short sighted. It might be that the grade school teacher has a great deal more experience in complex situations than the seemingly more talented individual and that you'd get sound advice from the teacher and mis-information from the talented "hot shot".
I see this every day in my work life. You may be better served throughout your life to rely less on score than experience when seeking advice.
