re: How does one go about joining a Mardi Gras Krewe?

From a practical standpoint that's the way it works. The float lt is the king of his domaine. Getting on a float is certainly possible, but getting a particular spot next your buddy isn't easy. It's a zero sum game. For you to gain, someone has to lose. My advice to someone wanting to get into a popular krewe is to sign up and bide your time. Just get whatever spot is offered even if a single. Scab ride if you have to. If you are antisocial, it's probably not your thing anyway. You can hang out with your friends who ride up until you need to load up. Make friends with the people you ride next to; they are just looking to have a good time too. Your world on the float are the 2 people next to you, maybe a guy 2 spots away when you get a break. The other side of the float might as well be BFE.