There seems, perhaps, to be a long-standing feud between left factions, as illustrated not just by this thread, but also perhaps by this introduction to an early Lloyd piece which cites Harker in the references.

The tone varies but this bit is provocative

...Lloyd offers a combination of opinions that would fit snugly into the columns of The Sunday Telegraph or Daily Mail...

One can perhaps see why Jim expresses negativity about Harker.

Now Roud, while being plain about his view of some aspects of Harker's approach, does (p175) acknowledge the work of David Harker as making a contribution to the field through his research. especially into the NE.

I have learned a lot through this thread and through Roud. So well worth the money, I think, even though just maybe from time to time a bit of facile bourgeois bashing is good for the soul.