people learn by asking authority figures, it helps to stand on the shoulder of giants. I didn't even ask for market secrets or anything i was just asking if those people sucked.
you basically told me to fuck off in a lot of words.
No, I suggested that the best way of evaluating the opinions of others is not necessarily to ask the opinions of others. But, if that's the course you choose to follow, again best of luck to you.
(Incidentally, if your friend has been making a living at this for 20 years and hasn't heard of any of these people, that should be your first clue.)