Good question, and here's the answer.

If a point of some kind, boating related or otherwise, is subject to
dispute or debate it is only fair to restate that point in the opposing
party's own words before preceding.

Example:

You post- "I think there are some advantages to reverse cycle AC on a
boat and would personally prefer it over a forced air or hydronic
diesel heat system."

Let's say I want to dispute or ciscuss that issue.
If I repost your exact statement, it then makes it harder for me to
twist and distort your words to my advantage.

Example, without repostsing"I think there are some advantages......and
would personally prefer"...... somebody could more easily open with,
"Why the heck do you think reverse cycle AC is the be and and end all
for everybody under all situations and who the heck do you think
you are to think that, anyway?"

Reposting an exact statement if a point is being debated or disputed
also makes it more difficult for the party who made the statement to
respond with, "You lying sack of crap, I never said any such
thing..........."

If I am only commenting on a single point in a long post, I rarely
quote the entire post.

Odd that you characterize certain individuals as "buddies that share
your beliefs".

As in: Just curious Chuck....why do you include a copy of a post in
your reply when
you disagree with and refute it yet do not do the same when you respond
to a
post from one of your buddies that share your beliefs?

Odd, because very few of my buddies "share my beliefs." In fact, a
number of people I consider good friends absolutely disagree with "my
beliefs" in some important areas. Reasonable adults, secure in their
own philosophies, are not afraid to include others who have different
opinions.

I don't know and have never met Harry, same as 99% of the people
posting here. I don't know and have never met you, either. Whenever I
meet a new person I try to look for the better aspects of their
personality, and hope they are inclined to do the same with me. Harry
and I, you and I, you and Harry- none of us have any reason to be
"buddies" or "enemies". We're just
tiny little whispers in daily hurricane on the internet. "Sound and
fury signifying nothing," (Shakespeare) This is a place where ideas can
be shared, contrasted, discussed, and compared- but it's a lousy place
to become emotionally involved- either from a positive or negative
perspective.