Howard, I would agree with you 100% but for two things:

a) Nick himself has obviously talked about this at Sidmouth, naturally giving his personal viewpoint, and that conversation led to the creation of a public petition. This is now in the public domain albeit still giving only one side of the story and it is therefore important to have the other side also presented - if not in full, then some appropriately edited version.

b) The EFDSS depends largely on its membership, and there are several of its members here on Mudcat, myself included. Indeed some of us periodically try to persuade others to join also (I joined myself barely 2 years ago). The last thing we need is to have another batch of disappointed members leaving over something like this. Some appropriate statement - not here, but on its website - would go a long way towards aiding understanding and hopefully calming the waters.

This is not simply sick interest in matters that do not concern us. While there is an HR dimension, more important are the directional implications for the organisation. The public image of the EFDSS has often been the topic of discussion here and the position of Marketing Director is crucial in that area. Having said all of that, I do agree with you that uninformed speculation does not help anyone.