MtheGM
"But I can't recall a single case where he [Steve Shaw] has been what I feel can reasonably be called 'rude'."

Not my experience.

Well, I have this weakness, you see, Snail. I don't mind someone giving me a lusty argument or even telling me that I'm deluded (though I do like to have their reason for thinking it). But when someone constantly nit-picks because of some wacky secret agenda they appear to have (let's call it "a chip on the shoulder"), or misrepresents what I've said in order to have a go, I bite back. If I think you're being silly there is a severe risk that I might tell you so (and I expect the same back). The thing is, I type my posts carefully and review them thoroughly before hitting send. If you want to have a bash at something I've said, but you seem not to be applying similar rigour, then you've got it coming. I haven't got all day to be tirelessly diplomatic with someone for whom that approach doesn't work.