And perhaps AF is lacking if it cannot stop the paranoia that still speculates about the motives of others, ignores their apologies and jumps to the conclusion that all human beings are "just looking to jump on another so they feel empowered and superior in some way". its common knowledge that memory is fallible, its errors are not always the thoughts of meanspirited beings.
Since this is your first post, you may not be aware that there is something of a backstory involved with Simon L and his ever-changing opinions regarding AF. You may also be unaware that "AF" is often used as a convenient label and that this category on the site was recently changed to "Practices Inspired by Actualism", not "Actual Freedom", as many of us on here do not follow the practices described on the AFT website preferring instead to continue practice with techniques from the Buddhist tradition.
To address your points, it is you who has interpreted Nikolai's response as "paranoia that still speculates about the motives of others, ignores their apologies...etc." I see no factual basis for your claims in this regard. Conclusions were not jumped to, as far as I can see Nick stated a fact which can be taken away and tested for oneself, something I would recommend doing before judging the value of the statement.
The apology which Simon made was directed at me as he confused me for Tarin, another person entirely.
Also, since it's your first post here I'd like to draw your attention to something from the homepage of the Dharma Overground:
In general our basic principles and attitudes favor:
* pragmatism over dogmatism: what works is key, with works generally meaning the stages of insight, the stages of enlightenment, jhanas, freedom from suffering in what ways are possible, etc.
* diligent practice over blind faith: this place is about doing it and understanding for yourself rather than believing someone else and not testing those beliefs out
* openness regarding what the techniques may lead to and how these contrast or align with the traditional models
* personal responsibility: you take responsibility for the choices you make and what you say and claim
* a lack of taboos surrounding talking about attainments
* the assumption that the various aspects of meditative development can be mastered in this life
* the spirit of mutual, supportive adventurers on the path rather than rigid student-teacher relationships
* and the notion that the collective wisdom of a group of strong practitioners at various stages and from various traditions and backgrounds is often better than following one guru-type.
If you're interested in practice, post a thread and tell us what you're up to and the sort of stuff you've done in the past.
If you want to debate and disagree about something, post a thread in the appropriate category and go for it.
Welcome to the DhO.