I think what Steve was saying, is to take responsibility for your own decisions. It was your decision to speak with this person. He asked in advance if you were willing to speak with him in person. And as you already stated, you were not expecting anything in return.
Most woodworkers would welcome such an opportunity for a couple of reasons. First off, the opportunity to get an advanced look at up-coming tools. If that doesn't interest you, then you should have said "no" when he asked. On the other hand, most woodworkers clamor for sneak-peaks, as is evidenced by the popularity of such discussions on this very forum. (Or paying admission to a trade show.)
The second reason is that you had the opportunity to mold the design decisions for the next generation tool. How many times have you picked up a tool and thought, "gee, I wish they would have made this feature just a little bit different, and then the tool would be an even greater asset to me." Taking stock in the future of a tool that you may someday own is far more valuable than a T-shirt or a coffee mug.
There is an old British expression, maybe you've heard of it; "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Rick............. dont look a gift horse in the mouth....meaning dont be ungratfull when you receive a gift.... as joiner received no gift the term has no relevance here..
