[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by washishu

It was intended as a piece of very tongue-in-cheek, light-hearted jest, slightly provocative perhaps, but has been taken far, far more seriously than ever intended.

Fair enough. Unfortunately it didn't come across that way for most of us. I'm not in a position to say what would have been better, so I'll just apologize for taking it wrongly. That said, it looked pretty serious to me.

Finally, if, Sailor Steve, you found my "hung by the neck until dead" remark offensive to your friend, that was not my intention and I really can't believe that you thought I was serious.

I figured that was probably intentionally over the top, but in fact I've spent time with the head of the design team and it's my impression that he wasn't as in control of the project as he would like to have been. I'm not defending his choices, because there are things I don't like either. I am, however, defending his integrity and honesty and his commitment to trying to make the best sim possible.

I still find that screen to be very visually cluttered and unclear and although the "new interface" comment is well made, that screen does not encourage me to persist to the point of familiarity. That's my opinion; your and other peoples' opinions are different; fine.

Of course people have differing opinions. Life would be boring otherwise. I support and even agree with your opinions to a point. As was said, however, your request to be persuaded could have been worded better. Did you really want persuading, or just a place to vent your frustation? It looked more like the latter to me, and apparently to others, so we responded to that challenge. Wrong? Perhaps, but can you really blame us?

I note that you state you have had many years naval service "before most of you were born". That will, clearly, colour your views. Similarly I have had more than forty years experience in and around the publishing industry and that colours my views.

I was only in the navy for two years, and I got out in 1970. That is indeed before most of the members here were born. I'm curious as to exactly what you think is colored about my views, especially in that regard.

Also, in my original response I addressed some of your questions. I notice that you didn't respond to any of those, especially the one on the periscopes. Again, this makes it look like you were more interested in venting than in getting answers.