Dagferi, I think I can speak for the other researchers here: Before we understood the scientific method and how to conduct psychological research, it seemed like we should be able to answer larger questions with one study, or more than just a couple questions with one study. We found, after years of education and experience, that to be able to answer a question, it had to be winnowed down to a simple, narrow, essential item. So it's offensive to you that we're not including non-hierarchical relationships who are not married in this study, and maybe it seems like we're being mean ogres who don't care about your personal experience, or worse, want to oppress you or obfuscate your life and relationships. That would be an unfortunate perception, and one that is completely wrong.
We are conducting this study because we *do* care. We're real people who are doing this work using our own resources, who would want to continue asking useful questions about non-monogamy, and it's been odd to receive such "browbeating" exclusively on this board. I'm curious about why only here? I realize that I'm now speaking to all the posters who seemed distressed and antagonistic.
You've made it clear that you aren't represented in the study, and you're right. We aren't studying your relationship, and that's ok. It doesn't make you bad or wrong. Just like all the other lives and relationships we aren't studying aren't bad or wrong. You're ok and your relationships are ok.
I'll reiterate my earlier post: As odd as it's been to stir up such distress on this board, it's ultimately been helpful in clarifying the limitations of our research. For that, I thank you.