I'm sure Mr Collins would approach a company and make it "above board" if he felt he'd get an honest answer that wasn't geared to making the company look good.
Honestly, here's a reporter trying to do exactly what some of you whinge about the media NOT doing -- ie, talking directly and frankly to guys in the driving seat -- without the company spin, and even offering the less-literate among you a free hand in putting your thoughts down on paper, with no risk of personal backlash, and the first thing that happens is that he gets spat upon. Professional? Give me strength.