re: the debate on the existence of paid bashers. I've "discussed" this issue many times and find interesting the intensity, if not depth, of arguments on both sides. I do believe the issue really comes down to semantics.
It looks like investors are basically split on this issue. 50% believe it is mostly a myth and the other fully believe it. The survey has really helped. i know it is only a small cross-section. The ones that took the survey are investors, not the general public.
You mentioned semantics. Do you think if I worded the question differently, it may have a big effect on the results?
So what i think you are trying to say is, if I would have asked the question like the following:
Do you think paid bashers exist (someone who directly or indirectly gets cash from the price dropping)?