NiceShoes, I've said everything I have to say on the matter. What is being discussed on that thread now is a completely different issue to that which I was originally posting about:
My upset was caused by the deceit involved.
The interpretation of the situation made by a lot of people on that thread is that I was posting about the ethics of deliberately seeking somebody out in order to read their MN posts.
That issue was secondary to the broken promises & lies, which I explained in my OP & at multiple points afterwards.
What's happening on that thread now is a more general discussion between MNers as to how they feel about MN with regard to their anonymity & ability to post freely. Whilst I have been reading & following what has been said, I have nothing further to add.
I posted my intentions as to how I am dealing with the situation outlined in my OP based on the responses I'd garnered to that point. After that, what can I possibly contribute? Particularly as some posters seem to find it impossible to grasp my point - or at least choose not to.
I am grateful for the responses I received (whether they were sympathetic or not - that's why I posted on AIBU in the first place; I wanted a balanced view & didn't expect or want to be pandered to) but feel that the thread has served its purpose for my needs.
If other people wish to continue discussing a related issue, as they are, then they are of course free to do so - but I am not required to oversee the conversation or to add to it beyond what I have already said.