Dave, I have largely agreed with the teams stance on what occurred, why it happened, what could be done in the future, and an incorrect view that through happenstance can lead to a misrepresentation of opinion - and also, my dealings so far with you on this site have been positive in my opinion.
However, once again, I find Sam making an issue that you direcly refer to, in defending himself from a personal attack - I don't condone his comments, as I don't think it helps anyone make a point. Yet there have been many others, that of which you have not directly mentioned, some of which aimed at my self - that are given a more traditional, "can both sides please stop bickering" approach. Now again, that is fine, I don't really want anyone else involved in my affairs in that respect, however it does shine a light on a rather one sided attitude.
The distinct irony of this of course, is that in practical terms, I probably agree more so with both what TST should report, and the response tower's needed to take, as I believe Sam's stance to be that of an idealistic and fundamentally impractical manner. That however, does not make it wrong! Quite the contrary in fact!
What I do feel to be, misguided, is some of the language and references being ignored, the fact that certain members are seemingly singled out way more than others for specific criticisms, that this debate became anything but respectful and balanced - as I my self discovered.
Now, I'm big and ugly enough to more than look after my self on a forum lol! Let's be clear, I deal with far worse than this every day as many do I'm sure - but, does that make it right? No, most certainly not.
Now I may be a newbie, out of the clique (of which, there most certainly is one, that is more than apparent now), and of very strong opinions - but I have already seen, that I challenged a status-quo here and got jumped on for it.
There are very many lovely members here also, and I generally find what the team are attempting to do, to be refreshing and honest - but this has most certainly highlighted, in my opinion (one that is not of inexperience), areas that can be addressed and that aren't.
For me, the debate now has passed - I accept TST made an honest mistake, things will be done better next time as appropriate with a publicly inclusive forum (for TST's wider benefit, which was always my concern anyway!), that Tower's had little choice and ultimately did the correct thing, and that I appreciate the actual intention that was behind it all. That's fine, no issues here. None whatsoever.
I respect and see both sides of the debate, and those who made salient points on both sides, it was interesting to gauge in what is a very prickly issue! To those whom however, were bereft of basic decency and respect, and whom decided to specifically target peoples persona's, rather than the sensible debate at hand - including me - you're painting this forum in a POOR POOR light.
And yes, that is to an unbiased outsider.
Edit by James: Personal insults removed.