I hear you. I just mean it in the sense that when there are positive tidbits on social media or wherever, I enjoy it. But I don't view it as a negative towards anyone else.
I think you're right. One time I was having an old poster signed by Peter Davison. It was a poster associated with a media tour in the 80s to raise awareness about DW in the US. Upon seeing it, he described a long excruciating series of conventions, lots of driving across the country, lots of autographs, interviews, etc. associated with that grueling tour. I guess JNT kind of dragged them into it. It was almost like seeing the poster triggered a flashback! Although, he happily signed it. I'm sure social media would be a bit easier!
I remember that tour. They stopped in Albuquerque and set up at our Natural History Museum. Our little local fan club was recruited to help set up merch tables and such. Our special guest at that stop was Janet Fielding. She was gracious and a pleasure to meet. I think I was 14 or 15 at the time, so I was a bit awestruck.
But yes. I totally agree. Those mini-con stops basically equated to a "familiarization tour," introducing the show to a wider audience at a local level. The social media of the day.