Gents
I really hate to say this, but how do you all think that you can maintain the sanctity (assuming that is what you really want) of PPRUNE in the face of the increasing access that everyone has to virtual forums of this nature? If the nonsensical speculation doesn't appear here, it'll pop up elsewhere and still the press will seize on it and print it or air it to get their few moments of fame.
Many years ago, when Usenet news was limited to a very thin slice of society because access was hard to come by, it was a very useful place where the contributors were knowledgeable and would nearly always know the answers immediately. Once internet access became common, this state of affairs began to disappear, eventually reaching the point where it became necessary to trust people because you knew their style and decided on whether to take any notice of them. It's no different here, really.
Do you really think that clearing out the non-aviators (and I'm one, but still an engineering professional) will help? And do you really think that the majority of people tar all of you with the brush of the clueless that appear here?
Not at all, many of us read and learn and post rarely. It's in sad circumstances such as this that we all come in the hope that we'll learn things that the mainstream news organisations are simply unable to tell us.
You already have your company specific forums where proof of employment is needed to participate, please don't withdraw from engaging with those of us that celebrate the whole business of aviation even though through one reason or another we were unable to participate ourselves.
PPRUNE is an extraordinary place and is simply the first choice of anyone that is seeking information on aviation, and we're amazingly good at ignoring the unfounded speculation that appears in a thread such as this.
Thanks for listening.