That churches may apply to one another for aid and counsel is a far cry from forming formal associations; in fact, the LBCF comes out against the formation of denominations.
For what it is worth, Dr. Renihan argues that the phrase "hold communion together" was a technical phrase for 'formal' associations. You can read about it in this Founders Ministries article by Tom Hicks: https://founders.org/2021/04/29/associations-among-baptist-churches/