>In reviewing the map of this thread, there are apparently very few who want to participate. Should I proceed anyway? Is this a case of "If you build it they wil come?"

Yes. When a bunch of us started the group this time last year there was little agreement on when to study, how much, how, where. We just started and let the details work themselves out.

Check out the threads from when we were putting out feelers for the study group. Most negative comments.
"Creating an on-line study guide for tests VFP cert tests" Thread #262208

Then when the comments turned positive, they where... _under_whelming.
"Certification Exam VUG Chat" Thread #270027

From a personal perspective I was able to study and pass the exams in much shorter time than without the study groups. I was floundering for 9 months just trying to write the 2 VB tests, but once I was involved with the study groups groups, I passed all 4 MCSD exams within 7 months.