I think one reason abusive or unscrupulous FAs exist is because too many people have unrealistic expectations regarding investment returns. In addition to hand holding, an important function of the professional FA is to help the investor set realistic goals.
Those good people exist but the threads about them don't go anywhere, it's no fun dumping on them.Just for the record, I appreciate those forum members who take the time to imagine a world where decent, valued, and non-slimy financial service professionals exist.
I am grateful to each of you for leaving me a small space for me to feel welcome when these threads come to their obvious and all too often vitriolic conclusions.