I'm not too big on clans. I gave up on clans years ago when I figured 90% of them were full of stupid people who were just looking for an ego boost. ("I'm in a clan I'm so cool", etc.) I have never been in a good clan, ever.
In my experience, it's large gaming communities, not clans, that keep games alive. Clans are more for competitive scenes, not casual gaming.
Your second part is totally true, but it's unfortunate that you never found a clan that had awesome people in it. I was in 2 that are both dead now, but all the people in it still talk. It's weird.
Also, there is a Brink Steam group already. I'm not doing more than that.