I do not often contribute to the discussions here though I do follow many of the forums with great interest. I, like Schrage Musik, find some of the inane and pointless squabbles annoying as they often take a while to wade through just to pluck out a few useful bits of information.
Asif's initial comment was poorly considered as he did not put much if any context around it, and it was ambiguous (and seemingly contentious). I accept that sometimes these things occur if English is not ones first language (a big ' well done' to all those on here who are in that position - i envy your language skills and applaud your efforts - apologies if that sounds patronising, it is not intended to be) , as a result i did wonder exactly what Asif was getting at initially. My first thought at his 'Not a helicopter in sight', was ' he's impressed that 3 vessels are being simultaneously replenished without the need to use helicopters' .... but it seems that I was wrong. That said when I realised this I did not feel it necessary to respond aggressively, after all it is often only opinions that being expressed. Where empirical evidence is provided it is a different matter.
The point I'm trying to make is that even a simply statement like Asifs' is open to misinterpretation, and the best response is to politely request clarification. Hopefully it will be forthcoming, and we can all go about doing what we enjoy without tempers being raised.
I will also add though that Asif's constant assertion that every one who does not acknowledge the failings of PLAN (or any other of the Chinese Armed forces) to the same extent as he, as 'Fan Bois' is also somewhat tiresome. Please, Asif, get over the fact that not everybody is going to share your views, or share them as whole-heartedly as you; but just because they dont, does not make them 'Fan bois'.
Getting off my soap box now ... i need to go lie down.
