Whoa! Thanks guys, for your support and kinds words. I'm a bit overwhelmed.
But I think that since eagleray is familiar with DIR/GUE, that was probably part of the problem. The whole DIR vs non-DIR has become quite a sensitive issue for many scuba divers. Eagleray was probably reacting to the DIR issue, as much or more than he was actually reacting to my posts.
Many of the divers that profess to be DIR can get a bit rabid about it and that puts many others off. Eagleray appears to be one that comes down on that side of the fence.
Also, we've all been around here long enough to know that misunderstandings arise from time to time. So no worries on my end.