Kind  of odd that you take Rick to task when the original comment under the guise of asking questions was actually making an unfounded conclusion summed up in the last sentence.

Rick's response was actually providing the other side of the story where there is some evidence that the loan portfolio is actually in very good shape.  Nothing he said was anywhere close to stock promotion or being a shill.  

Even your attempt to provide a balance is a reflection of the shareholder's opinion of the management not the value of the underlying assets.  It certainly doesn't weaken Rick's point.

Further, I am curious why Rick's share position or lack thereof is even relevant when the same standard doesn't apply to those being critical?  There are lots of companies I don't own shares in but am familiar enough with to make an informed comment on.  Oddly enough I see people who clearly have no vested interest and lack even a basic understanding of a company make negative comments all the time.