03-09-13: RebbiHi Rebbi - Since I was advising Jonathan to avoid participating in arguments like the ones on this thread, I will take a shot at answering your rhetoric question. IMO, a manufacturer can stick up for himself without getting dragged down into the muck. Rather than saying "you are flat out being lied to," he could say something like, "I can assure you that you have been given false information." Rather than "I am really surprised that you would actually be so closed minded," he could say "I invite you to listen to my products and decide for yourself." You get the point.
...I can't say I blame the manufacturer for getting involved. If someone's trashing your business and questioning your ethics, do you just let it go?
Having said that, I acknowledge that, when someone takes a swing at you, it is very hard not to swing back. But it is easy for people to lose sight of who swung first, and to see only the brawl that resulted. And that is bad for business, IMO.
I wish Jonathan and EA the best of luck.
Bryon