Gavin - I’m glad you are finding the information useful, and over time I’m sure others will add to your thread with interesting snippets. Many members are busy professionals in all sorts of fields and sometimes only logging in perhaps once a week. Hurried posts might contain the information but sometimes might also appear undiplomatic or blunt as you observe, even though that information is correct and comes from a wealth of knowledge. And I can assure you that its not intended even though it comes over that way.
If we were all having these discussions in a room face to face there would certainly be a different dynamic, a different ambiance and its a problem whenever the person or personal is removed from the situation. One way that I have found that considerably helps in forums is to reintroduce the face to face interaction and encourage the use of real names as you have done and even better to upload an avatar that shows your face. You can see here those that do it and it does reflect in a more considered discussion. Probably, and particularly in the field of locks, keys and security its reassuring to know and see the person you are speaking to.
For members here the use of avatars/real names is optional, but all members of The Team, moderators etc. real names and a portrait type avatar is always used and their user title is also shown to indicate their position in the scheme of things.
Anyway Gavin hope this helps both you and others, and also enlightens a bit of the dynamic of this kind of meeting place…
