Wow. I don't actually think this is a huge issue. It was just an example in response to the original post. However, if you do think it's worth discussion, how about keeping to something of substance, rather than all the attempts at emotive and/or ad hominem distractions. "Bogeyman", "paranoia", "conspiracy", "this isn't the first time", blah, blah, blah.

It's pretty clear to me that my use of the word "few" should be a hint that "conspiracy" is an inaccurate characterisation of my opinion on this. If I'd said "lots and lots", that might have been a fair response.

What is the difference between "conspiracy" and "influence", except for one's subjective assessment of the merit of the effect? (... and your desire to frame your opinions as inherently good and other people's as bad.)