Some valid points all round.
I’ve been reading and contributing to PPRuNe long enough to know why there is such suspicion of journos within the PPRuNe community – but I also know that good reporting can have a very positive result for everybody.
Charlotte (LATEST) - John Farley is a highly respected chap in the Aerospace world and he has given you some very sound advice on the ‘Vertical Stabilizer’ thread. Full marks to you for being open about your reasons for posting, but you need to build trust here if you really are serious about getting informed advice. Whining about your present reception won’t work.
It is a sad fact that incidents such as the AA crash do happen from time to time and, if you want to seek help here, you should try building trust. Why not post details of your research and how it is used – let people know which bulletins or programmes it will appear in? If PPRuNers see responsible, informed reporting they will be much more inclined to help you.