In summary, I have regrettably discovered and continue to maintain that the attitude of the Pharo team is very rude indeed. I have pondered whether this is a cultural thing (i.e. traditionally the French and English don't get along). I have discussed it with my non coding friends and others and I have not managed to come to any other constructive conclusion.
Hey, I'm french :)
All frogs don't live in the same pond...
Stef