I can only imagine what it's like to be constantly pursued by the hounds for something you thought correct at the time and in hindsight.
Personally I've had those moments where haters fabricate narratives to fit their crusade, and still do, but they tend to evaporate once confronted in a public forum. But they do stretch the hand of friendship and objectivity. There's an evil in some people that infects others who have a vulnerable incipient character ... usually the weak minded. IMO
