I never got impression there were "groupies" of Heywood. Just some people liked his posts and told him so. I am member of few boards and I *never* saw forum members saying compliments to each other being made into problem. I just don't get it. If someome wants to say that they love Heywood's style it's their right, if they don't wanna say that, then they don't. Its being made into problem but this is NOT.
I don't think anything what you described is "just wrong", except bad cases of RPS. Other points are just matter of taste. *Everything* can be piece of art in hands of capable author. Would you ban Wuthering Heights because Hitcliff (sp?) thought about kissing dead Katherine's body? Some authors can deal with dark stuff, looking into heart of a matter. As for student/teacher relationship and age difference, its a problem that can be and should be addressed in literature. Would you say "Before sunset" is awful play just because its hero has romance with young woman and his children fight him because of this? It is great classic play.
As for age difference in real life, I am of opinion that adults can do whatever they want as long as they don't hurt other people's right.
And if I'll feel like saying that Heywood is God, I will.
