For what it's worth, I like Charles' mellow, reasonable approach to the forum. Am I wrong, or do A-gon (and to a degree other gear fora) seem to be more contentious on a personal, non-substantive level? There are some extremely knowledgeable people on this forum (and on others), but the non-substantive sniping is a distraction, and takes away from the value of the threads, and the forum at large. I come here to be informed, and to contribute when and where I can. I know that sniping attracts views, and is amusing to a degree, but it does get old. Reasoned, heated debate is fine.
Charles seems to share the view that reasonable people can disagree, there is no 'one way' to all this stuff and that we are better served by leaving our egos at the door. At least that's a model to aspire to for Internet behavior.
Best to all,
Bill Hart