Space enthusiasts standing on the sidelines isn't likely to get us much farther than we have in the last 30 years. If a space advocacy group has objectives you like, but methods you don't find a better one or try to change the best of several poor options.

As far as a lunatic fringe goes, Levin and DiGregorio at least have a basis for their claims and deserve a hearing even if it is obvious after the fact that they have bungled many of the facts. Open debate is part of the scientific process. Ignoring critics with concerns that are likely to be raised in the public is stupid. Hold your friends close and your enemies even closer.

Hoaxlanders have never been a desired portion of Mars Society membership, but there is no mechanism to weed them out. There certainly have been no tracks, committees, or task forces set up for them. I know of one instance where a face fan tried to bring the topic under discussion in one MS group and was promptly threatened with being banned.

Regards,
Mark