At least with manufacturers (when they are identified), you know where they're coming from. Consumers can claim anything--about themselves or about the thing they're commenting on. Half of what they say is wrong, and you don't know which half.
Forums and Manufacturers: Are they here to help?
I have read several forums where questions have been asked about equipment to the audio community and in a few cases, the manufacturer jumps on the thread in what appears to be damage control. I understand that in some instances the problem may be setup issues, interconnects, ect., but are they really here to help or to raise doubt about what is being said by the consumers?