"My perception is that you are looking for people you can use.  You haven't looked at how you can develop a mutually beneficial relationship."

This sort of statement amazes me, i have been here for a long time, just not much lately.
back a few years we were working on a new generator design, and were offered by one of the Dan's free magnets to accomplish the task. to date i have not asked for them, and i likely will never take them up on the offer. i will however purchase them when i am ready.

i was sent a set of free blades for testing from a great guy that frequents this board, reguettably i have not found the time or made time to work with them yet and it has been years. i have however offered to purchase them, and he has refused payment.

So you perception is somewhat skewed my friend, would i use someone for what they have to offer in material or labor? hell no!

would i use their mind for what they know? hell yes! and one would be a fool not to.

as far as mutually beneficial, sure that is how the world goes round. It just spins more freely when folks work together. seems ludicrous for everyone to go out and reinvent the wheel. Should you go back and search a bit, i think you will find i have been a willing participant in things related to AE. i also wonder how you figure that using someone cannot be mutually beneficial?

 i tell you what, if i have a stash of neo's, that you want, and i have a question that has plaqued me for years, and you have the answer and want to purchase some magnets, you damn straight i would trade or sell at cost. is this example not mutually beneficial?

i dunno, i am trying not to take your perception to heart, everyone is entitled to how they feel i suppose.

my perception is perhaps you don't know me well enough to make that accessment