Personally I think this conversation need not continue. It stopped being productive a while ago. It's almost an argument for the sake of arguing, with nothing new being added and no one closer to seeing another's point of view. I disagree with Warbler's sympathies for the students, but I see no reason to continue condemning him for it. Nor do I see any reason to continue justifying your comments; we all know where you stand, and you've even clarified. The point of this thread (IMHO) should simply be how crazy it is that this whole thing has happened, and the details that surround it, not how bad we feel for people whose involvement is rather peripheral. I'm sure someone will tell me to mind my own business, but I just don't see much point to the argument any longer.

Officially butting out now.