<p>Soozie, I think what we have here is a teensy weensy failure to communicate absolutely clearly <em>because</em> of the medium (email/Internet forum posting) that is being used. Even with liberal use of emoticons 
:(, it can be hard (as you so wisely pointed out) to truly understand each posting’s tone and shades of meaning. As a result, something may sound elitist, sarcastic, etc. etc. when it wasn’t intended to be at all. It <em>does</em> help if those posting can remember to say something like “It’s my opinion that …” or “In my experience.” However, even when someone neglects to include those “disclaimers,” it would be helpful if we could all give one another the benefit of the doubt and realize (without being told!) that each of us is posting his or her opinion. Thus, if someone says “British training is better than American training,” we can <em>assume</em> that that is the poster’s opinion and carry on from there. That might help us avoid future tense situations and hurt feelings. :)</p>