Are they Sadists?

I don't understand why there are folks out there who are suckers for punishment. All too often I'll read where someone states "2+2=7" and when you ask what makes them think that they become defensive and want to debate it. Of course, after being attacked for dare questioning their self-perceived genius they, you set them straight, they realize they were incorrect and become bitter. But wait....did they not do that to themselves? If I posted "The Earth is flat....prove me wrong!" should I be upset when proven incorrect?

This is a major problem in the bashing community. Just today I read on one of the local experts on one of our favorite forums explaining to a newbie how the Trophy 3.5 is "better" than the Hyper 7. 

Problem 1: His statements were factually incorrect.*
Problem 2: He never owned a Hyper 7 so was comparing against......?

*Examples were 
"the Trophy is more durable" as it has more standard aluminum parts. 
FALSE

"The Hyper 7 is lighter than the Trophy. "
FALSE

"HPI is a UK-based company and OFNA is a Japanese company"
FALSE and FALSE

"he leThere are more upgrade parts for the Trophy"
FALSE

(And the list went on and on.) There were many other things that he kept trying to cling on to, which were all easily proven false. Why?

At some point, doesn't an individual have to look inside himself and say "Yeah...I know I'm making claims that I truly don't know are true",. So as to not come off like a bully, I kept it private with this person, but I imagine he won't handle it well and ask for more punishment. I encouraged him not to debate just for the sake of doing so, as once again this seems to be rampant in our wonderful hobby. 

Why do I care? Once again...it's simple. Is there harm in telling letting someone know they have been given incorrect information? If you were at the gas station, and overheard someone telling a customer ask how to get to "Main Street" (but the directions were in the exact opposite direction)...would you not be a good citizen and state "That is not my understanding. Let's clarify for this person so they don't get lost". People make mistakes...I get that. But when you maliciously steer someone in the wrong direction just to save face (or attempt to) that is bad. Very be bad. Regardless of the subject. You are doing a disservice to society. 

Or am I wrong here? 


Should we just allow folks to say anything they want and not hold the accountable because....what? They tell us not to? I simply don't get it and it's getting to the point where I'm about to bow out, just do my thing and hope those coming up stumble upon my little value add and think twice whom they listen to. This is not normal in society so I don't blame newbies for falling hook-line-and sinker to guys like this. It's so wrong you would not fathom anyone doing it. But they do it. Ugh.