Yeah, managing expectations is hard and most people are not realistic. Especially people in dire straits. Not much we can do about that but refund them when they realize there's more to it than copying a link and collecting money.
No, but I also would not try to live off those profits. I've been there. I got a job and used affiliate marketing as supplemental income for a long long time before I was even close to being able to go full-time. Everyone has a different opinion on finances and I am not going to tell anyone how to manage their money.
Things are always changing in the industry. I am sure discussions on affLIFT will follow the trends
I haven't. I would assume it would not be very active but I've been wrong in my assumptions before.
Interesting idea. I am not sure if they would share beyond what they already do. Creating an "Advanced" membership and section of the forum would be pretty easy though.