Some breeders choosing to not join BYC have bought birds from famous lines and improved them. I have found that namedroppers are more exclusive to BYC than other forums especially the word "English" which is the grandaddy of all names thrown about. They are no better than American lines but only different and some English lines are imported from U.S. lines and used for improving English lines or so I am told which really throws a wrench in the works.
I have seen great birds from local breeders that have never heard of BYC. and some breeders that say they will not discuss birds here.
JMO, but identifying one's Orpingtons as "English" is not the same as namedropping. When I say my birds are "English," I am identifying that my Orpingtons came from the UK and are bred to the British SOP and not to the American SOP. Namedropping is when somebody claims their birds are from "John Doe's" lines.
I do agree that the English lines are not "better" than the American lines, and vice versa. They are simply bred to different SOPs. Some prefer English - some prefer American.
There are MANY reputable breeders who are not a member of BYC and never will be.
My advice is that if someone is really interested in Orpingtons, either American or English, is that they join the UOC - the UOC embraces ALL standards of Orpingtons - English, American, and even hatchery birds.