M TED writes =Michael--The word "if" is not, in itself, demeaning. The phrase that you used is-- ==

But the word 'if' surely qualifies or moderates the offending phrase — i.e. it shows the phrase would only be applicable in certain circumstances: i.e. in this case, persisting in the view that the previous history of the sign, tho previously unknown to its users, may still be safely ignored now that it is known. My point was that, surely now that they knew the facts of the previous history, they would cease to persist in such an ignoral, & so would demonstrate that they were not, in fact, such 'noodles' as to whom the phrase might be applied.

I trust that this will have clarified the matter to your satisfaction, and remain, my Dear Sir,

(with all best wishes for a very Happy New Year)

Your obedient servant
- Michael Grosvenor Myer MA FRSA MJI