I didn't say buying a gun makes someone an "operator". By the same token, despite our professions and experience, yours current, mine primarily in the past, we're just a couple of guys talking on the internet. If you want respect for the comments you make, I think you should reciprocate.
Otherwise, why waste your time? What audience are you reaching for here and why should you be taken seriously?
Anyway, I've said enough on the subject.