Having followed the threads started by 'Bart' and Gediminus, I have to say that fuses are short. People like Erik keep this forum going (just take a look at some of the threads - you see the same names over and over), they take lots of valuable time researching if they get full information. I think they can be excused minor foibles. What is hard to understand, is why a first time newbie, often asking a question that might have been answered by a little patient research, takes immediate umbrance at a slightly critical response.
As for non-professional, I've never seen help denied because it is from an obvious 'amateur'. Only when people haven't taken the slightest trouble to prior research, or it's an obvious homework question.
Thanks to all the hard-working professionals who respond to the list!
Dave