It takes two to tango...
People can post dumb things and try to defend it.. or they can just post and believe the reader will make their own decisions. Often it's just best to take the high road and let the detractors do their own thing...
But on this topic of collab, etc. I think the local collector community between VA and MD is quite strong.. and much deeper than most of us realized over the years. I have been brainstorming ways to get the collectors out and together.. for those who have no interest in the shows or leagues. The benefit would be for networking, parts swaps/sales, demos/exposures to games or mods you may not have seen, maybe even education for those who are interested in certain fix/mod/restore topics.. and possibly open houses for those that are interested. Even in the simplest idea.. imagine us having one of the Stern Launch Parties so people can come and see the latest title.. or what if there were some new significant mods to see, etc.
Many collectors love to have others over and enjoy sharing their collections with like minded people -- but they just don't want random internet joe showing up at their door. Having a 'collectors club' where people can associate and vet each other provides that filtering mechanism for people to establish a rapore with each other and get comfortable.
Personally I think the networking is the great part.. for as much as everyone is buying/selling.. having people you have had previous contact with and a level of trust really makes the experience so much easier.
Remove the keyboard.. get together.. and people tend to be far more compatible in person. While everyone may not be my best friend who I met in the hobby, I can't say I've really met people I say would be a deterrent.. and by far.. I've met a lot of people I wish we all were a stronger web together!