Is A.A. a religion or not? If not, would it benefit society if "we" just called it a religion?

I know we've discussed a variation of this topic before, but I'd like to hear again why A.A. should not consider itself a religion.

Also, what is the spiritual approach and why is it effective with alcoholics?

What is A.A.s definition of a "real alcoholic" and is it valid today? 

Did Bill and Bob and the authors of the Alcoholics Anonymous book know what they were talking about with regards to being an alcoholic?

Did the A.A. fellowship of 1938 know anything about "alcoholism"?  Have advancements about "alcoholism" from then to now made a difference with alcoholics and addicts?