I don't know why I'm surprised by this situation. Maybe because I've had such a wonderful experience in the WordPress community; otherwise, I think some people fighting dirty happens in business. It's a shame but almost unavoidable and usually a sign the one attacked is very successful. At least that's how I like to look at it.

As for defamation and libel suits, if someone states the facts and has evidence to prove it, then there is usually nothing to fear. Scratch that. My Pollyanna has control of me today and is responsible for such a naive statement. It will always boil down to who has the better lawyer, and it's best not to forget that.

If it were me, I'm not sure what action I would take against the perpetrator but tend to think I would find a way to get even -- legally of course. Probably go see a lawyer to find out what could be done. No, I'm not a lawyer, but one or two of them have saved my bacon a couple of times.