You're presenting two options, of which you imply only one can be chosen:
* "Getting out of the building" and engaging others with an important issue
* Continuing to discuss the development of that important issue and organizing action with a community that is already mostly sympathetic
But the truth is that these options are not mutually exclusive. One can do both quite easily. As you said, the hard work is interacting with real life politics. I imagine many who post here are doing that. But doing the hard work doesn't preclude also keeping the issue fresh in the minds of one's mostly-sympathetic peers who are at the forefront of calling for (and hopefully making) change.
* "Getting out of the building" and engaging others with an important issue
* Continuing to discuss the development of that important issue and organizing action with a community that is already mostly sympathetic
But the truth is that these options are not mutually exclusive. One can do both quite easily. As you said, the hard work is interacting with real life politics. I imagine many who post here are doing that. But doing the hard work doesn't preclude also keeping the issue fresh in the minds of one's mostly-sympathetic peers who are at the forefront of calling for (and hopefully making) change.