OP, back again. To think I gave up on this thread after the first dozen or so responders didn't want to respond to a thread like this!
Originally Posted by
livedarklions
Usually, though, the actual professionals are the least likely to offer UNSOLICITED advice.
Just to muddy the waters, the "actual professionals" I've encountered seem to be the ones who know where their area of expertise ends. If the discussion overlaps their expertise, they'll contribute a few lines of knowledge. On the other hand, those who contribute a few dozen (argumentative) posts with 3/4 screen screeds and numbered color glossy photographs with arrows and labels? Most of them should pick up guitars instead.