Brow - I don't think this is appropriate on Tim's forum. Maybe you should delete the thread and speak to Tim direct via phone or email?
I'm inclined to agree. True or not, a message to avail tim would have been more appropriate, were that the sole intention. We all know this is public, and bad press, true or not, spreads fast. Yer a good chap, so I'm happy to call that an oversight/difference of opinion, but I think Daves right.
Bulldogs as I understand from first hand account, have, quite intentionally, a different 'family' sound to BKs and they arent copies. This is second hand information coming from me, but my sources (who can speak for themselves if they wish) are reliable.
As far as the unknown builder -> BK -> bulldog 'design inheritance' might go; theres both a fine line and a world of difference between learning from someone else and outright copying. They are very different, but easy to confuse in rumours. As to the rumour, it may or may not be true, but given that tim, such as I know him, is a decent and standup guy, I wouldnt give any credence to it without much better info than the anecdotes of 'some guy on a forum'.
Signed
Some Guy on a Forum.