That is such an awesome post. I would love to do that. And I have met some pretty incredible people here who I have grown to love as much as any friend I have ever had on the internet... and in some cases a lot more.
There are still more people that I would dearly love to get to know better but i have this stupid, irritating but deeply ingrained problem that people will probably be shocked by... I'm painfully shy, at least when it comes to approaching people. It's the same on the internet as in my outside life because... again believe it or not wha you see is exactly what you get... no games or faces.
As much as I am intrigued, fascinated and impressed by people I come across I can be friendly when they speak to me but as for opening a conversation or having any kind of 'relationship' like a proper friendship with them... it's beyond me. I suppose I'm scared that if I approach someone they will slam the door in my face or whatever. i guess it's the 'I'm not worthy' thing. It's been a hampering force all my life. And it really doesn't matter what anyone says... that's me period.
Back to the topic and the point I was trying to make. From my point of view you'd have to be really brave to do that. The more I respect a writer the more intimidating they become and the less chance there is of me ever getting to know them... and there must be hundreds of people out there just like me. What's the answer? I don't know.