There's certainly an impression that it's a free for all when it comes to Sam Murray. I realise some of this is due to the moderators not being able to see everything going on here but I have seen the piping forum shut down and threatened with permanent closure for remarks far less serious and with more substance than what some seem to get away with about Sam Murray.
I did think it was particularly bad form that Jim was mouthing off about a flute he hadn't played but only had second hand information about from unnamed sources, that he refused to respond when called to reveal his sources and the nature of 'the issues' he mentioned. The statement he had 'a relation with it' because he wanted to buy it at some point was too preposterous for words.
Even after a former owner of the flute, confirmed the flute in question was a fine one, which he has stressed over the years and it is well known that he only sold it because of allergy problems, Jim didn't see reason to retract his statements. What Jim presented was nothing more than
nudge nudge wink wink say no more hear-say and insinuation without any form of substance.
It must also be said that the latest shouting match about Sam, including the notification of the Gardai Siochana, was a total shambles and a screw up of the poster. The flute in question had been sent to him at the time he posted his thread.
I don't know Sam other than dealing with him a year ago. The flute I got was fine, I am very happy with it, it was delivered within two weeks of the date predicted on ordering and collecting it at the workshop I had a pleasant chat with Sam. I found nothing to dislike or to be anxious about.
If there have been glitches, I don't expect them to be any worse than what I have heard about many other makers of flutes and pipes over the years.
I have been to Galway recently and they are all nice people there, if you get my drift.