Brian-Since you kind of asked, I too believe about 98% of people (in any industry,almost) are decent good and above board. But, my statement was from what I have observed and heard. Mostly, I get a good gauge on someone, when they Bash the archie, especially when they are either the head-pro, the super or a manager. My thoughts are on your guyses side. But, if the argument is credible, that also is telling about the insight of the critic. Mostly they are not credible and way too subjective. Off the cuff comments about how this guy doesn't know sh&#, don't come from my mouth, they come from theirs.
If anything, my respect for Architects has grown significantly the more I learn. But, how does one explain the lack of respect so many have shown toward the architect in the past? Whether through altering well thought out design/nature golf holes/courses, or the many many really bad architecture that does get fixed. The fact that a G.C has a pedigree of architects as long as my arm, that have tinkered, altered and even destroyed. What else is someone to conclude other than as a collective the GC archie gets little respect?
I am don't feel I am being argumentative or slanted, I state these things without fear of reprisal and honestly want to know what others think. Not to be dismissed with personal attacks that must've offended someone's sensibilities.
Not to beat the point to death, but some archies on this thread agreed there wasn't enough info or the circumstances sounded fishy, surrounding the orig post. I asked for more insight into the real dealings of architects and Jeff was very helpful in sumarizing the nuts and bolts of fees.
I was always well aware of the perception of the rest of the world on commodity traders, I find it unreal, that archies aren't aware of their percieved "bad apples".