"I hope there's no back room politics going on. I am CH 8 (or least should be)."

Not sure what you are saying. What is the number on your membership card?

The link you provided says, send no money, so it is one of the earliest posts.
The list you are showing might be collectors that expressed an interest from that post.

I am not sure how numbers were issued, maybe by dues recieved. Amy will have to answer this question. Many people on the early lists did not send their dues for some time.