You don't see a problem with someone refusing to be held accountable for what he's telling investors over the phone?
I've called him before and I've been told the same stuff the rest of you that have been calling. I don't have some sort of special relationship with Ares, and neither do any of you. You are not special. What he's been telling you he's been telling me as well... some random unknown investor calling for information. I *am* the public, and so are all of you.
Therefore, what he says can and should be considered on the record. If he's not willing to have the conversation be taped, then it's for one of two reasons:
1) He's lying OR
2) He's giving you insider information, or information that he's not supposed to.
Why would he give you (AND me) (2) when he doesn't know any of you or me? He's not your friend or family.
I'm much more apt to believe (1) over (2).