This is a great example of the P2P vs client/server (domain -- as you saw). Three things:
1. Peer-to-peer is just fine. AC works fine and you don't spend as much time tweaking it.
2. Client server gives you way more options and has many benefits, but NOT needed for AC.
3. Where client/server IS needed is for someone who wants to take advantage of the benefits of a domain (at the expense of some increased technicalities) BUT wants to have fun with a client/server. Tom is just such a person.
I love my quote of my tech friend who helps me tremendously. He is an MCITP for over 30 years. I asked him for advice on a P2P whether written or actual hands on. He told me he couldn't do it. I said, "Why?" He told me, "Because P2Ps are way too hard to work on.
Having said that, I completely understand that want to stay with P2Ps. I used one myself for 4 1/2 years. And, full disclosure, we had a Dell server with Windows Server 2000, but we weren't on a domain. Everyone logged into their own computer and never authenticated against the server, no Active Directory, no DHCP, no DNS, no SharePoint, no Exchange, no central antivirus, no central firewall, no central routing of email, etc., but it worked great.
