Les
Nothing....yet! Either the barbel anglers agree entirely with what I wrote, and therefore it is pointless to comment, or alternatively, they might feel that it is beyond contempt, and therefore they won't lower themselves by getting involved in a debate.
One good thing that will come of this massive interest in barbel is that someone will realise that there are 30lb+ fish swimming around the rivers of Eastern Europe. They will of course, get 'lost' on their travels and end up in places like the Severn, Dove, Teme, Thames etc.
Given their background, and to make sure you target these particular fish, it will make sense to glug your halibut boilies in vodka or schnapps flavoured fruit drinks, therby reviving the ailing alcopops industry.
Getting my tin hat on now........
Regards
Kevin