Your concern about human connection is totally legitimate. I think most of the successful Fully Distributed teams out there supplement the independent work environment with periodic in-person get-togethers. For example, Github has their Github Summit (pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmario/sets/721576257683729...), Basho described their "quarterly meetups". Automattic also does retreats.
I think your comment is a recognition that the most important aspect of face-to-face time isn't actual productivity / collaboration but simply social connection and team camaraderie. This is probably the biggest challenge that Fully Distributed teams face, but it isn't insurmountable with some creativity and planning.
I think your comment is a recognition that the most important aspect of face-to-face time isn't actual productivity / collaboration but simply social connection and team camaraderie. This is probably the biggest challenge that Fully Distributed teams face, but it isn't insurmountable with some creativity and planning.