TurboLlew said:
Catching up on some of the comments: Imagine stealing a diff off a very low mileage customer's car for whatever reason. The owner then finds out and doesn't break your knees or lay charges or hire hitmen or even want to take bread off your table... Surely you're thanking your lucky stars and turn over a new leaf immediately and do your best to keep this guy happy?
Fast forward to 5 YEARS LATER and you're getting hot under the collar on whatsapp of all things for whatever reason. This same guy that caught you stealing from him red handed is somehow coexisting with you in a group. You feel like it is unfair of him to remind you of your dodginess... the same guy who STILL doesn't want to out you. Over this one comment, you are so aggrieved that you then go and (effectively) incriminate and blackmail yourself (whilst accusing others of blackmailing and accusing you) because you have to have the last word and can't handle being wrong...
Is there any self-aware person who would do this? This was a totally unforced situation which is what I find amazing. This must be the most self-destructive chain of events I've seen unfold in real life. Either way, I don't think Gizmo will lose his supporters... but you can bet they will be checking and double checking in future even if they do go back.
Ego is a terrible thing... this could have been handled SO MUCH BETTER with some maturity.
This is not the only person involved in such things - more will surface now after this thread I'm sure.
@"TurboLlew"

raise:
I have read, then gone back, and re-read the entire thread of "he said-she said", and was slowly formulating my own response or 10cents worth
But
after reading your response, I think we are on the same wavelength here.
Gizmo's indescretions aside, his technical knwoledge and forum advice he has can still be very usefull to the forum, even if the forum-ites don't utilize his actual service.
The forum doesn't exist only to drum up business for your own workshop, but also a place to
1) Admire the brand
2) Get technical advice, ( and I believe that Gizmo's technical knowledge is invaluable for the internet forum)
3) Physically requesting Gizmo to do the actual work....(which is in essence OFF FORUM) then this thread will be a warning to beware
In the same way that an Ex-Con will always be an Ex-Con, the workmanship and knowledge doesn't die, just the physical trust in the work itself