As you say, Clinton, this sort of thing has been debated at length elsewhere - although every discussion I've seen has had people of sense and sensitivity coming down against you. To summarise (and yes, I do think this is necessary and make no apology to those who feel this isn't the place . .) it's simply a matter of not not being offensive. Regardless of how (some) homosexuals may refer to themselves and one another (in what is actually irony), most homosexuals find it offensive for other people to refer to them as faggots. And for that reason I find the use of the word faggot grossly offensive (except when used in necessary reportage).

You must realise, surely, that many people DO regard that usage as offensive; if you combine it with a highly derogatory remark about the guy's playing then you must expect people to see you in a very unfavourable light. Personally I wouldn't put myself out to hear Natalie MacMaster play, but she and MacIssac are of a level of competence where, if you're going to criticise them, you need to do so in a more considered manner than your dismissive remarks.

G.