Al where it is true it is not offensive... just where it is not true.
I believe most everyone has mixed drivers for doing things... and where does this place people who have a system thread where they put multiple images of their systems and written self reviews extolling their achievements... some over 50 pages and with over a thousand posts of self involvement... would it be true if I strongly believe posters who have system threads simply want to show off and are the typical insecure audiophiles who want constant affirmation. I bet they are fully aware how inflated and wrong their self assessments are.
Hehe, good one, Graham. I readily admitted above (# 152) that I am self-absorbed as well, and I am keenly aware of it. So yes, I am more than happy to concede that you have a point!!
Yet I am not insecure. I was always the first one to point out shortcomings of my system, on my system thread and elsewhere. If friends criticize my system upon hearing it I don't usually go into defensive mode. Often they do have a point that is easy to see and very helpful, therefore much appreciated; other times I simply don't care about their criticism. In some cases of course there are legitimate disagreements where I refuse to yield. Yet even in some of those instances I happen to change my mind over the years as well.
At the same time I am equally glad to report when system shortcomings diminish or some of them even disappear. And yes, after all the improvements my system still has considerable shortcomings, which however I am happy to live with. No system is perfect, but I love mine.