I feel the same way. When I joined in 2006 I didn't know ish about being natural or transitioning. That site really showed me that even the most tightly curled hair can be beautiful and I never would have embraced that if it wasn't for NP.
I don't get why people have such a issue with the site. The mission statement is crystal clear. There are some very militant ppl there, so what? The same "know it all" attitudes are here and on other boards. NP is the only hair board that I see people openly complain about. I never understood why since its a choice, not an obligation to join.