Steer, I don't think there is value in basing positions on one person's sole outlook. While you may feel there are no lines to cross (and I happen to agree with you, though I don't have issues with too soon - funny is funny) it is clear that there is an overall median of what is considered acceptable.
What we are talking about in this thread, is the overall median opinion of what magicians are or should be.
Now, if you want to advocate that we should ignore public opinion and please ourselves (the artists) then we pretty much discount any reason at all to look to someone like angel for anything to emulate. It kind of shoots your and b's position in the foot. I don't think you mean to do that.
There will always be individuals who love magic or hate magic no matter who, what, when or where.
There are not germane to the discussion.
What we are discussing here is the perception of magic and magician at large - particularly as it relates to specific magicians who have managed to catch the public attention and what traits they have worthy of emulation.