Cult-like or just welcoming?

I've only been active since the '70s. I have lived in many places and enjoyed meetings in 25 states and over 30 countries. I have heard "shouting, yelling and hooting" at many meetings, in response to humorous anecdotes or congratulations. I don't remember "chanting" (Websters: "rhythmic, monotonous utterances"). I've been comforted when greeted with "Hi _____" tens of thousands of times in meetings in which I've participated. I've never been offended. It's absolutely appropriate to say "Hi _____" to anyone after they introduce themselves. To blame the peaking of AA's membership on members saying "Hi _____" disregards the fact that a much larger percentage of abusers today are addicted to substances other than alcohol. Hundreds of programs (mostly using AA's Twelve Steps) have sprouted up to serve that population.