Actually, I remember them too! Those are some of the conversations that I am referring to.
But, to read the papers, no one who is 'accountable' saw it coming?? I guess only the 'unaccountable' saw it coming??? (well now... I'm glad that I am in the ranks of the unaccountable!)
On the speed which it happened: Elliottwave nailed it. They called for a 3rd wave down (the most destructive of all waves) and, to boot, a "3rd wave WITHIN the 3rd wave". Let's just say that it's a Wave 3 of 3. I can give you oodles of references to their writings saying that the wave 3 damage will be d-e-e-p, wholley destructive, and will be furious (as a fight to the death with a grizzley). Frankly, I didn't think they were right about the quickness... usually things seem to play out longer (with FOMC intervention). But, alas, they nailed it.
Now then... THEY are accountable to their 'unaccountable' subscribers, and they get high marks from me.