Are the folks at Vandersteen ok?

Yup, he can be a bit curt, and I do think he rubs people the wrong way, but I can tell he is a straight shooter. 
He can't delegate the PR to someone else, because he knows what he knows from experience-unfortunately that is something that can't be taught to just anyone.
If you need someone with a bit more bedside manner, then PM or call John Rutan at Audioconnection. He can give any Vandy information that you need to know.
Bob

Another thought...
he places avemphasis on real knowledge vs. musings
to wit
he was aware of the discussion about aerodynamic approach to driver design that was referenced in the $60 k speaker thread....
his comment to me
i invented and patented that years ago... and decent engineer would know that....

i paraphrase a bit

but

I started accompanying a long-time Vandersteen dealer to the Vegas CES in the mid-90’s through early-2000’s, and one year Richard invited the dealer and his wife and a couple of the dealers staff to dinner. The dealer asked Richard if he minded if I and my girlfriend came along as well, and he said no problem. He paid not only for the expensive dinners, but for many bottles of real good wine, which he selected himself (he knows about wine as well as speakers). I kept my ears open as Richard spoke that evening, learning a great deal about many things. He is somewhat of a Renaissance man, yet a down-to-earth blue-collar fella, with no pretense or artifice---my kinda guy. I came away from a meeting with the head of the Wilson Audio Sales division with a very different impression ;-).

@bdp24 
I'd be interested in hearing what you think about the Sales division head.
PM me.
Though, to be fair, he wasn't the designer, like Richard.
I didn't know Richard was an oenophile, thanks for including that info.
B

PM sent Bob.