shmuch,
In an attempt to answer your question
Why does Astraeus get so badly battered by everyone on this site??
I personally think that they are an easy target on this site. It is a well known fact that this site is moderated by members of the Astraeus payroll (possibly run but i am not 100% on that, so don't shoot me) so people take pot shots on here attempting to stir things up and air their grievances as they know that someone from Astraeus will see it.
That's my theory anyway.
I have absolutely nothing to do with the Astraeus but do find some of the bashing a little childish at times. The Astraues Yellow Fever thread is still an all time favourite of mine on this site althought the circumstances behind it aren't particularly nice. (I would link it but i will get timed out by my server while looking for it.)
Edit: Apologies it was Lassa Fever not Yellow Fever.
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...light=Astraeus
Cheers
Rooster
