Armchair Passage Making - The Follow Up

We've heard some of the internet forums, chat groups, online magazines as well as a few traditional print media have been thrashing about the results of this year's Fall Salty Dawg Rally.  It seems some of it is pretty harsh.  We've also been told that there is quite a bit of speculation, misreporting, misquotes and half truths.  We were told one outlet quotes one of the head dawgs...problem on this end is that this head dawg was never contacted to make a statement to the outlet so where the heck did the quotes come from?  Hum? 
Most rally participants down here could care a less.  The feeling is yeah it was tough but it is what it is.  We all knew and know the risk when setting out on a passage such as this.  It's been clear from day one that while the rally is there to support, it was still up to each skipper/crew to get their boats and themselves ready.  Chris Parker provided weather summaries as well as forecasts and advice.  However, in this too, it was very clear that it was still up to each skipper/crew to make their own passage decisions.  We found Chris very conservative in terms of what he suggested.  Additionally he always tried to prepare the fleet for the worst case situation as the rally sailed south.  And think about it people....weather forecasting is... best guess - no different than your local weatherman.  This is especially true for an ocean passage over many, many days.  You get a weather window but there is no way a forecast can go all the way through for an entire passage.  Gribs help but once you leave the dock, you are out there.  It is what it is.  You can alter course somewhat but in many cases weather is still going to find you on a passage. 
I realize Monday morning armchair sailing is going to take place.  Hell, I have done my fair share of armchair sailing myself - just in chatting with sailing friends.  Some of it is done in the name of "learning from these events" and that is fine...even good.  BUT let's face it, most of this buzz isn't "to learn" but to create controversy and perhaps even sell media or promote an online outlet.  I think another Salty Dawg articulated it best in his blog posting and rebuttal to recent negative press.
http://sailinghurrah.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/armchair-critics/
We were very please to join and be a part of the Fall 2013 Salty Dawg Rally.  We thank them for all the support before, during and after our passage.