it's not daves fault that the market is full of ignorance, but i'm pretty sure he knew the effect his voicing would have on the market. it's a double edged sword.
Vendor or not, competitor or not, I believe it's in the ethic of a forum that everyone's entitled to his/her opinions - as long as they are
1. documented/explained
2. polite and respectful of netiquette
It will then be each members job to evaluate such opinions based on a variety of sources, including the poster's background. We're all adults after all, right?
Personally, keep'em coming Dave!