Opinions
I guess it helps if you know who these people are.
But to me...and I would surmise most people, these are just another bunch of guys with an opinion.
Hi rivet,
You are wise to form your own opinion regarding any particular firearm and any particular instructor. Only a fool would buy something based on the opinion of anyone on any forum. If I was buying a product, I'd get as many opinions as I could!
However, I do have alot of experience with various pistols, assault rifles and sub-guns due to my roles in policing and nuclear security as well as having been a specialized trainer in firearms, use of force and tactics. I have over 18 years of experience in product selection, testing and training spanning from clothing systems to belt systems, to pistols, rifles, subguns, shotguns, holsters, handcuffs, pouches, armour carriers, armour, weapons mounts, optics, flashlights, night vision equipment, etc. I've run guns until they failed, I've torture tested many rifles and pistols and I know what works and what doesn't.
That being said, I've never stopped learning and I don't ever want to. I'm not a know-it-all and I have learned tips and tricks from people I never thought I would. I learn something on every course I teach whether it's something about how people learn or new skills or things about equipment issues. I have also been fortunate to have trained with and been trained by some pretty high speed users too. In fact, I will admit that my long range rifle skills suck at present so I would never offer any opinion on long range rifles or shooting them. I am planning on attending courses with Milcun and a couple of specialized instructors in order to gain knowledge but I don't think long range will ever be my area of expertise. I defer to guys like Hungry, Andy and others for that!
Many members of this forum have attended training with me and I've been on training with a few of them too. I've also shot competitively with many of the folks here too. Those folks will tell you that I might know a bit about what works.
I have been wrong too... well I was this one time... I thought I was wrong but it turned out I was right! (Just kidding).

I am man enough to admit when I'm wrong and product endorsements or free goodies don't mean I automatically think something is good or should receive a passing grade.
I've waded into this particular debate because I've spoken extensively with the guys at NEA about their product, I've shot the NEA rifle, handled it, and scrutnized it. So far, I like it but, I have not run it hard yet and my opinion could change. I will be giving it a thorough but reasonable test that would be in line with testing that a police tactical unit would do.
I figure that a gun should be reliable, accurate, durable and user friendly. NEA guns are going to be in use with police and military units in other countries and I would not want to endorse an unreliable product that could end up in a police officer's or soldier's hands when their life is on the line.
As to not having my own.... I don't own a G36, C8 or an MP5 either but I've shot thousands of rounds out of them.
If anyone would like to discuss my credibility or knowledge, please PM me and we can discuss in a mature and friendly manner.
I don't like your insinuation that I smoke drugs though, I never have and never will.
