Don't worry too much about some of the intolerance around here. They are all basically harmless, although I think their rudeness was uncalled for.
I used to get some flack because I dared to talk about Zydeco rather than Cajun, or to talk about triple row diatonic accordions sometimes instead of focussing solely on the Cajun single row accordion. Didn't bother me - I just ignored them and kept posting regardless of what a small number of self-appointed monitors said.
I hope you come back with more contributions to the discussion.
Considering Levon Helms brought a lot of his Louisiana to that group, I think there is some connection. And I agree with David, I don't think you would talk that way to her face. Lighten up guys it's all good...