I think the key is the interaction of observers, because mimicry requires an interaction.
Since this is a forum and many of the users have interaction, it can be very possible that a mimicry is occurring, and that it is just a stubbornly persistent perception.
However, it is also possible that it is not a stubbornly persistent perception but a convergence of independent minds forming the same analysis.
It can also be a bit of both, where a few members are independent and form this analysis, and others are merely following the originators analysis.
Followers happen...
Ann, if you want to start a new thread on Group behavior in other areas of knowledge. I'm always very interested in this sort of stuff too.