I love what you say here; I think this is a completely rational, practical take on this matter (which, frankly, I can't see the need for debate over). On some level I think all human (and animal, for that matter) interactions are about some form of give-and-take. I'm not going to quote that old Churchill chestnut about wives and their prices, because that's not really what I mean. Relationships in any sense are two people hopefully getting something out of what they put in.

So arrogant? Stuck up? May be, but it may be that's a reasonable position. As much as we might want some communal ideal of everyone helping everyone else, we don't have the time in our real lives to make that work, let alone a semi-anonymous fandom situation.

So bravo--I applaud your explanation.

And I cringe, slightly, when I remember I've given you my baby. Not because I'm afraid you'll tear it to pieces--it deserves it--but because now that I've read more of you I wonder about its worthiness for your crit!