I'm used to George from the folk music newsgroups, and I don't believe that he is ever deliberately hurtful ,though he does sometimes get a bit carried away (don't we all?) - he feels things strongly, as many of us do, but is always ready to apologise if it seems appropriate.  I can't help but feel that Anthony's response was a bit over the top; possibly a raw nerve got touched?

Malcolm

P.S: Sorry for presuming to speak for you, George.