You Wilke boys are on top of things in spite of being away for a bit. Be gald you missed it (unless you enjoy watching trains colliding with lots of cars piling on; or balloons bursting with people in the basket!).

IMO, in a nutshell, Ron (IMO the most respected poster we've got) said something as fact that couldn't be validated, didn't include an "IMO", and was called on it. The entire thing would have been avoided with a simple "IMO". I use 'em, most others use 'em, Ron has used 'em - but didn't on this occasion.

While it's a valid argument that anything anyone says here, unless they include a link to a tangible, factual source, is or should be always considered a mere opinion. I went off on this a couple of years ago on the EDIG board when there was a similar bad occurance.

The "hazard" is greatly exagerated when a high profile poster says something. The high level of respect equates to a perception of superior knowledge, and everyone is listening - everyone (I'd bet there are a ton of lurkers who only read posts by Ron and Wolf, and have everyone else on passive ignore; and I'd bet few set aside War and Peace to endure my endless ramblings).

The unfortunate result in this instance is a lot of frustration focused for a few while spread among many people. MANY (hundreds?). Compounded frustration, as we wait.... It doesn't help. Has anyone considered the broad probable negative impact of this unfortunate "agora event"?

And it was over something that doesn't really matter. History, where the "how it happened" doesn't matter - it happened and few, if any, are complaining about it (though some of us were disappointed with that interview, I doubt any of us want JT gone).

I bare some responsibility here. I jumped into the fray with my unsolicited opinion. My only point was that if ANYONE says anything, they should clarify if it is fact or opinion. Use "IMO" with abandon. Hazard avoidance. Bickering avoidance. Frustration avoidance. Especially at this point in time where emotions, due to frustrations with our current reality as we know it, are teetering.

For my participation in this unfortunate event, and any influence I had on Ron's decision, I sincerely apologize.

I want Ron's continued input - legal or otherwise (even OT historical: did he like the factory shifter in his Boss 302, or install a Hurst Competition Plus or Super Shifter? I liked the Competition Plus in my Z28s.).

Though we have agreed to disagree on several things, and irritated eachother on occasion, it is not unlike the relationship I have with my best of friends. Ron has his quirks, I mine, and all of us ours. We enjoy eachother while we endure eachother (and I sometimes feel bad for my friends who do endure me - but it does make me appreciate THEM more).

I think I KNOW all of the above, but to play it safe - IMO, and I KNOW nuttin'! LOL

SGE