On the subject of the difference between Mudcat friendships (or other internet friendships) and 3D friendships, for me it is this...

When I meet someone for the first time in the 3D context, it takes me a while to get to the point where I feel a sense of knowing them, or a sense of any kind of kinship. When I meet a Mudcatter at a musical gathering, or even just getting together for a visit (I've met several dozen Mudcatters so far), I always feel like I am meeting a long lost family member. There is an instant bond that I don't experience with people who are not Mudcatters. And this applies even to the ones with whom I haven't had much interaction here in the forum. I find it to be a very gratifying experience.