Seeing as Bitpay have aligned themselves with the BIP101 pushers (aka the infiltration attempt by Bitcoin companies with investors like Goldman Sachs), I would ask you all to consider the possibility that consumer advocacy is not what "The Bitcoin Association" will be concerning themselves with.
Carlton once again you have it spot on... The VC's backing these companies have ulterior motives... We will see fiat masters coming in to dominate and centralize Bitcoin
development. They back BIP101 to shift control and power towards front companies, who will do the dirty work for them.
The Bitcoin foundation did not work, now they want to start another "Association" What for? These companies should stay separate and compete for business in a
open market, like everyone else. No hidden background meetings behind closed doors is needed to fix things in Bitcoinland. Keep it decentralized.. we like it that way.
These are all excellent companies with unique services .... let's just concentrate on that for now... Do what you do best.