Amen to you both.
Well said, Mark.
It isn't that we don't realize the risk that 'A D' represents as a signature feature on 2-2-V-1, but that we have a need to find definitive information. We cannot toss a rare find aside as so much junk based on a smattering of pictures and a sound byte proclaiming that web site as an authority. A site clearly calculated to display those photos as 'evidence' - by an unknown author, I might add.
We sometimes get attacked about 'credibility'; where is the credibility of those who would disprove what we study? They never seem willing to acknowledge that TIGHAR has never shirked admitting when a failure of an article eventuates from her work, as painful as that can be.
So much discussion out there is indeed pure hip shot broadcast, and it is of course easy to criticize a bunch of nerds who are trying to painstakingly prove, or perhaps to our credit, disprove should that eventuate, the provenance of this item.
I also remain fascinated that one of the frequently underlying 'qualifications' for their view of our efforts is that we're crazy kool aid drinkers anyway, because anyone with any sense knows she can't be there because a) the navy looked in 1937 and didn't see her, and/or b) she's really at: fill in the blank, etc.
What fascinates me even more is how concerned many of them are with minding the business of those of us who are determined to wring dry whatever we can find at Niku out of a belief in it being a very strong candidate for Earhart's last arrival. They want 'truth', I'm told - but seemingly they'd bracket where and how we search for our own better good. I am even 'warned' of late by someone of a different search venue, via unsolicited email no less, that I should be 'very worried' due to my involvement here - isn't that nice?
As it happens, I voted this morning - and was reminded as I did so that this 'minding of others' is simply an ages-old human urge. It is along the same behavioral spectrum as 'road rage' when the emotions get into it. As has been said, no man's life, liberty or property is safe when the legislature is in session...
I think we should simply carry on.