Thin Line Between Critique and Courtrooms: A Dialogue on the Recent Audiophile Drama

This reminds me of the political left cancel culture of destroyer a opponent 

when it doesnot fit their narrative . Your 1st amendment right is to your opinion .

you should ask to not have your outcome displayed if they don’t like them.

I am not familiar with the speaker in question but unless speaking personally about their integrity ,and moral character I don’t think they have much of a case.

"- Where do we draw the line between constructive criticism and damaging feedback?"

The line should be at "Lied" If the manufacturer or the reviewer lied with intention to cause damage then there should be recourse. Otherwise not. 
"- Is the courtroom really the arena for settling disputes over reviews, or should dialogue prevail?"

Dialogue first. If there is willful misrepresentation with the intent of financial harm then the courts should (assuming they are even honest any longer) adjudicate.
"- And crucially, what does this mean for the future of honest, independent audio reviews?"

I think independent reviewers remain encouraged and are not too worried about being bullied. 

"So, fellow audiophiles, what's your take?"

Tekton managed to alienate and anger a LOT of well heeled informed consumers.  Way to go you morons! 

"Have you ever felt swayed by a review, only to discover a different truth upon listening?"   

Yes- long ago I bought a ChiFi DAC that Thomas was raving about- a Suncoz. $500 in the toilet on that one. Ugh!  "Learnt me lesson" 

"Have you faced the ire of those who didn't appreciate your candid feedback?"

Nope- I'm a digital nobody-  unless you count Audiogon. I have riled a few snowflakes by accident. Some people are just miserable and want you to join them. 

I had Zero interest in Tekton before, even less now.   

This reeks of insecurity, not surprising for a company that can't design loudspeakers correctly. 

Tekton would have to prove malice on the part of the reviewer, which is just short of impossible. The sad part is the reviewer will have to pay lawyers to defend himself. Just the threat of being sued might keep other reviewers from mentioning obvious problems with designs which hurts us. 

Just take a pair into the courtroom and measure them in front of the judge. They either can repeat the measurements and win, or fail to repeat and lose.