We are now seeking legal organization as non-profit entity. As soon as the pragmatic hurdles are out of the way I think you will see Affiliate Union in the spotlight educating both merchants and affiliates. Merchant-affiliate relations have a long way to go. The industry has focused very little on education. Many people are trying to tell people how to sell online, create great websites, and build lists, but users often don't even understand the definition and basic concepts of affiliate marketing.
Education is the key.
Affiliate marketing is very old, but in this permutation, it is infantile. Naturally that danger always exists. Even if the Affiliate Union movement were to stop overnight, the draft and dialogue would still be there. That document is a blueprint for good relationships and a fair contract. Natural attrition will kill many merchants and affiliates.