On the other hand, if people are thinking the absolute worst, it could paint the picture as being less grim, that others with the same struggle are still fighting to improve their outcomes and outlook.

Speaking for myself, what I've gotten out of the experience is improved compassion both for myself, and for a greater variety of persons with differing mental health challenges through the expanded understanding I've come to have through this site, and it benefits me greatly as it fits in well with my own aspirations for the kind of person I strive to be. I sleep better at night knowing I can be a better representative for humanity, doing better unto more others as I would hope others would do unto me.

As far as how truly representative we are, as cross-sections of our respective populations working with mental health questions, I personally just take us at face value in that regard. To imagine that we are missing segments of more "cured" individuals who don't stop by seems like a disservice to the populations we actually know are represented here. And in that the people here are the ones bothering to communicate in this way, bothering to try to help others with whatever they feel they can best bring to the table, maybe it is actually we who are better suited to the task, and not some phantom others we imagine just don't bother. I personally can think of many people here, from many walks of mental health life, who are outstanding examples of humanity even in their struggles. It gives me faith.