honestly and attacking the poster with tangential arguments.

And, honestly, it seems to me that you are arguing both points simultaneously when you say that it's ok to argue vehemently against the competence of the program and then, in almost the same sentence, whine that it's foul play to criticize you for doing it.

Maybe you should take your own advice. If you think playing hardball is ok, then don't complain when someone throws at your head.

Personally, I prefer to keep the argument a little more civilized.