Derek, There is a point of sticking up, and a point of craving attention. You get slammed because you like the idea of getting slammed, of having your name up there in lights. But the way you attack is the way you will get perceived and attacked back. Can't get mad at that. Congrats on your ads in the magazine with your picture it it. Nice! Most excellent.
But C is right, how about some positive stuff. At the expo, you were cool, enjoy the show, having fun. Bring some of that positive energy here, although breaking your perception is hard to do, especially after you lost control and resorted to spitting into what was supposed to be an interesting showdown. Not cool for you, and not cool for ARLI, which sponsored the event.
So get with it, and see you at the next big show...