I don't think being independent does or does not make you an Ultra, but anything less than explicit and total independence automatically means one is not an Ultra. It's a necessary, but not sufficient condition. In many ways I would characterize it as a brand. I would make the comparison to Motorcycle clubs. There are thousands of them all over the world. Some are connected, while others are not. Most share certain values and styles, and some but not all have a history of violence and criminality. Why do some motorcycle aficionados choose to associate themselves with these types of groups, while others do not?