That may be an elitist attitude (though really, how can any puzzle endeavor NOT involving people we know be any good?), but there was no cause for concern as there were puzzles by BEQ (launching a weekly crossword),
bourbon_cowboy, lunchboy, nplchainsaw, and even a Hex/Rathvon cryptic. [Edited to add: Bombyx, too]So there's one outlet that's in good hands.
