[Henry Schmidt]

I would have to question the "closing" of the thread as well.
Not from an authority stand point but from a free expression stand point.
The moderator absolutely has the authority to exercise discretion.
That said:
This is an automotive forum where men (an occasionally women) come to express their passion for hot chicks, horse power and the smell of race fuel in the morning (to appropriate a phrase: "smells like victory').
It's just Ford vs Chevy, Porsche vs Ferrari angst.
I made a product review based on personal experience and Winders took exception to that review. What ensued was little childish but it certainly didn't violate the rules of decorum based on the nature of car forums.
Scott was pretty careful to avoid personal attacks and although I shouldn't have said "he didn't know anything" I would ague that it was hardly too harsh for the audience.

As to the ethics behinds the promotion of a product: I build Porsche engines and on the Porsche forum where people seek advice, I state what I use to get the best results. If that means I mention my products, I hardly see how that is unethical.

I also share the best way to remove valve guides, our most successful sealing techniques and why you should use wide idler arms. Should I avoid those topics because I make a sealing kit, updated idler arms or offer head work?