Loath as I am to add to the OPs slightly childish desire to reach, was it 400 posts? I would like to say this to him:

Josepp.

As I made clear before, the musical education of children is something I care deeply about, for reasons I have confessed above. If I thought you really believed it was acceptable for a majority to have their development stymied in one way or another just so that a handful could achieve greatness I would warn you that this is a very dangerous road (though perhaps one in keeping with your general political views for all we know).

However, it now seems that we can't take anything you say at face value, so no doubt this was just more of your 'fun.'

But may I say this instead?

It is not necessary to tell lies and issue random insults in order to generate fruitful debate (if, indeed that was your aim, rather than merely trying to reach 400 posts).

You may think it harmless amusement, but to some of us this is quite a distressing topic, never mind the general impact on the tone of the forum and its public image.

To behave like this from behind an alias is, I feel, unacceptable behaviour. If you are prepared to call us (I hope you know who you've been talking to) 'slugs' who 'couldn't tune a damn guitar' I think you should be brave enough to do so in your own name.

If nothing else I would like to know who you are so that I could be specially charming to you if we were ever to meet.

Would you say these things to may face, I wonder? If so, fine (I can indeed be quite sluglike and often have difficulty getting my guitar in tune in certain atmospheric or metallurgic conditions - as many audiences who have listened to me struggling will testify).

If not, them perhaps you should consider whether it's a good idea to do so here.

Most of us have been trying to have a mature debate on a topic we care about. To find out it was all a wind-up leaves one feeling a little queasy.

Thank you

Tom Bliss