BlasR,
As an American, I apologize to you for Jonathan's behavior. I would like to think he is not typical. He is rude and arrogant and tries to show how much he knows by ridiculing those who ask questions or do not agree with him.
From some of his other posts, I can only assume he has not been to college and is "self educated" in photography. "Self taught," to me, is the same as home schooled but you are your instructor. You decide for yourself what you want to study (think you need to know) and what the right answers are.
Again, please do not think Jonathan represents Americans. If you do, we have truly earned the title of "Ugly American."