Of course it's not compulsory to respond ! I don't expect any or all members to either agree with me or respect me. That's entirely up to them. No one is universally popular. They are free to criticise my posts and interpret them as they wish. I will not rise to the bait or lower myself to criticise them. Many know I have given them "reps" as often as the system allows.
I will continue to support this excellent forum and the many good members on it. Enough do trust me ! Those who don't appreciate my posts can put me on "ignore" - not something I will ever do for them.