petervcpt: I'll try to help steer this very worthwhile thread back on track.
Good job Peter....despite it going off track again (and I am confused why you are in the firing line!)
I have been to SA numerous times for work, and found the South Africans friendly but had underlying concerns regarding safety.
Obviously the oppression (and I will steer clear of politics lol) for many many years takes its toll.
A SA mate of mine (London days) was also conscripted and told the funniest story of hiding in amongst potatoes in the kitchens to avoid several days walking the townships...he was not missed lol. He left SA before he had completed his time in the Army, and he vowed never to return as he would have to then re-join. Well he has returned after many years. he was a good guy who wanted to see a united SA.
But then there was another guy I met through work and he refused to take orders from someone above him (I will let you guess why) - my jaw hit the ground......that was the ugly....an he was unemployed too after that!
Like everything in life, there are two sides to every story, was nice to see yours Peter. I also like your attitude - you are having fun on your terms...the way it should be where you set your goals. It is a great game, and overall a great community, but like life (as above) there is good and there is bad. I just Ignore the latter.