I certainly agree that there is no reason to 'speak down' to people who don't agree with me, but those who speak down to me first are certainly subject to like responses.  Most replies here have gone wholly off-topic by (mis)addressing minor points. 

  Apologies if I misconstrued anything you might have said but, as to elitism, I could equally read a ton of negative emotions into other posts, including yours, as directed at me.  Seems to me that you fired the first shot on that one.  In any case, there is nothing too personal about discussing what is really a business topic of mutual interest.  Regardless of the emotions imparted to these words (or read into them by any party), I certainly do appreciate the fact that this forum provides a valuable service as a free exchange of thoughts and ideas.  In this manner, I value your input, whether it is agreeable or disagreeable. 

  Sorry for the "charged" words, as you're right;  I certainly should have risen above in one case.