So glad to hear you are doing so well, CopperStar! Yea!

Some rambling thoughts on your questions? Here goes!
I don't think the forums are full of treatment-resistant people so much as that people in general seek out forums when struggling, so that's going to skew demographics. People who are treatment resistant are going to find themselves in that boat more often, so that probably adds another layer to the perception.

The meds can seem to loom large, but, there are so many variables at work whether one is doing well with their treatment or not. Like everyone's in different life circumstances and widely varying degrees of support systems. It can be hard to know just how much and in what each plays a role in how things are working.

I've been here since 2009. Despite being here for so long, it's not at all a case of treatment-resistant. Been lucky on that front actually (that's talking after the initial mis-dx, ADs fiasco, of course). Adjustments here and there, but the meds are fine, it's managing everyday life that's my ongoing challenge. (Everyday-life-management-resistant? Haha.) So I just need that sense of community, knowing that someone(s) are out there. To not feel so isolated. Long/short, I love this place. I love that there are people who've been here forever. AND that people can come and go as meets their need at any given point. I love to be a part of that. To care and think of people. (More and for far longer than they'd imagine.) And hopefully, to sometimes make them laugh.

Also, I like to whine. Totally kidding. Couldn't resist.