It's very simple, the forum is NOT for private messages between members.
The info was exchanged, the thread was locked, quite simple really.
Also, an FAO to an individual is a very different thing to a thread asking if anyone on the forum covers this area or that, as that is an open enquiry for all of the forum to participate in.
I agree that it is a great shame this forum does not support PM's, but Admin had good reason at one point to remove it.
No one gets favouritism from me, I don't care who you are, if I see a transgression I deal with it, you don't like it then complain to Admin direct, if they also believe I've done wrong then it will be ME who gets my knuckles rapped.
Many decide to keep their email addresses hidden, which I know means sometimes the only way to get someone's attention is to give a thread the 'FAO' treatment.
You have to accept that if spotted it'll get locked...no use getting the 'hump' when you get your wrist slapped for breaking the rules.
And these 'FAO' threads soon turn into a free for all with every tom, Dick and Arry' putting their own replies to what is in essence a private conversation between two people....as in, "please read all of the replies to this particular thread."
Thread not locked (by me at least) I'm more than happy for others to see the reason why a thread may get locked...one of the reasons anyway.
It also makes no difference to me if someone complains about a thread...might be a bit 'judgement of Solomon(ish)' but if I don't agree with the complaint then I don't interfere with the thread...that isn't to say either Dave or Admin might act differently of course.
Ian