[irrigation]

This sounds like a variation of the "you're just jealous" reply, which is an easy, convenient retort to virtually all skepticism for even the most incredible claims. When we want something to be true, the easiest way to undermine doubts are to cry jealousy.

Super weight loss regime. Visit with aliens. Top secret NSA/CIA/FBI/FSB clearance. Quintuple black belt. No-effort muscle building technique. Endless success with the ladies. Exponential stock market success. All demonstrated by just words?

Doubts and questions = jealousy. It is the charlatan's ally among human denial techniques.

[nothrabannosir]

Two wrongs don't make a right, so whatever follows here notwithstanding: your point is fair.

But the GP did say this:

People lie. People embellish. Many people can even contrive rationale for why doing that is okay. Human nature.

That can reasonably be inferred, from context, as an attack on Patrick's personality. Not saying it is for sure, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to interpret it that way.

In that light, shifting the personality blame game back on GP is less damning than you make it sound. It's still not the golden standard of rhetoric, sure. But there is something to be said for it.

Consider it "defending a friend." Patrick's being personally attacked, OP attacks back.

Again, two wrongs don't make a right. But this one is defensible.