That line about "just coffee and cars" is the whole thing right there. Small meets live or die on whether the regulars actually talk to new people, and it sounds like Grindstone has that part figured out. My advice if you want to keep it good: show up on a steady schedule, same time most weeks, and bring something to share, even just a box of donuts. The guys with the real builds notice who keeps coming back, and that's when you get invited to the smaller drives and shop days that never get posted anywhere. The Domain thing is fine for what it is, but it's a car show, not a car scene. Don't try to fix it, just split your time. Hit the big one once a month for the variety, keep Grindstone as your regular spot. And grab that Mustang guy's number next time, a 289 car that gets driven weekly is the kind of contact worth having when you need a hand with your own project.