I guess the gist of this thread was, to put it simply, to save people a lot of time, hassle & money.

This maybe, very good advice to somebody, who suddenly finds their way on to this forum, with absolutely no idea of what they are getting themselves into.
...Cautionary advice, as opposed to don't do it.

The bit about niggling the long term members, hmmm not sure about that?, every story, is going to be different.

Ady, this thread has obviously hit a raw nerve with you. You seem to know what you want, so just don't take it personally & persue it till your end goal.
Just carry on listening, to the bits that you can learn from & ignore the bits which don't affect you, or p**s you off!...Many more, will follow & some will be as headstrong as you.
Share what you can with others.

People are always going to have their own ideas & opinions & on a public forum, that is what you are encouraged to do...It's what a forum is.
I occasionally find myself, like most on here, I should imagine, having to bite my lip, at some comment or other & although, we are all here for the same goal, circumstances differ widely.