I find they are fickle at best, and are rarely met since most uses for them are to rationalize bad deals.I define a bad deal as one that doesn't meet my Cash Return Guidelines. 

The lady I deal with at the title company fills it in later once we have an official closing date and figure out the pro-rations.

Then I cooled down and thought rationally about matter. 

So, I found a job in Vancouver and spent the summer sleeping in my truck because I couldn't rationalize paying two rents.  

You want us rational and intelligent investors to stop discussing a certain method of investing because you don't like it?

When put in those terms, it is clear why an exit strategy should always precede an investment.I've heard many former colleagues (prior to my retirement) attempt to justify and rationalize poor decisions in their minds.  

People who mention they are interested in looking into other types of investments will be open-minded enough to discuss REI further and weigh the pros and cons and potential risks rationally without being immediately dismissive.

They are focused, rational and straight forward.

I still would say that there is not a reasonable or rational person who could read the initial post and be offended, much less bullied.