Hi Max, I'm pretty sure I woulda gotten fired up about that too! I know SO LITTLE about these old flatheads and the FordBarn is like... Unspeakably valuable!
I'm blanking on the handle, but one of the regular posters has a tag line to the effect "I don't remember doing something to please someone else."
My job is as a classroom instructor. I'm sure every day at work I do something that someone will consider as being unhelpful, as you were accused of being. It's just a fact that whatever you do, you could be Superman, and you can't keep the whole world from occasionally getting a wadded up set of panties.
I've learnt to be comfortable in my own skin and to recognize that there will be a portion of the universe that will consider me a breathtaking fool! I consider that to be their problem and for sure don't lose any more hair over it.
So that's my take. You didn't ask for advice, but... Keep doing what you've been doing. Just on the surface, you are opening threads that are leading to meaningful discussion, and that's in no way something to be called out for. But beside that, keep having fun with the '38, sharing your experiences, and remember pictures are always a hit around here.
-VT/Jeff
P.S. I didn't serve in the military, sometimes I think I have a little regret there. Thank you and all your friends (and all those reading) for what you did, and sacrificed in hundreds of ways, in the service of the United States of America, our country. Thank you.