Once you've been here long enough, history certainly does come into it. I'm sorry when newcomers or those that visit infrequently kind of get in the middle of these things, but, to be honest, Beakybird has pretty much summed it up...

You'll notice that i RARELY (if ever) respond as bluntly to those that don't use a self assumed mantle of 'expert' status to bully others. That, more than anything, is the thing that totally gets my goat, and makes my blood boil. Some of the MOST opinionated posters on this forum consistently post music that is amateur in most regards. Perhaps they can sing OK (some of them ), but playing skills are barely past beginner level. And yet these members take on the mantle of 'big brother', and sit and pass judgment and offer gear advice as if they were the best player out there...

And, I'm sorry, but as I said above, to 'value' someone's opinion, it has to be demonstrably right. You wouldn't take driving advice, or someone's opinion about a car, if their car showed signs of being crashed all the time! As to the Traynor's, chas... even a stopped clock is right twice a day! For every G70 or Traynor decision, you have a Podium or Mediastation to balance it! Buy as much as Fran does (and sell it e week later ) and you are bound to get SOMETHING right.

But in fairness, although my writing style is a little dry, ask yourself if you've seen me unload on some poor newbie... I honestly try to be as diplomatic as I can when posting to those that aren't forceful and blunt in their own views. But those that come here to lay down the law had better be able to back it up!

"Speak softly and carry a big stick...."
"Diplomacy -- the art of saying "Nice doggy" until you can find a stick"

Quotes from great men. Seems that both of them realize that diplomacy WITHOUT a stick is a recipe for getting rolled over on. Look up Neville Chamberlain if you don't believe me...