WTF are you talking about? Not one of these assertions is even remotely true. I'm not sure if you feel threatened about folks sharing information with each other and it affecting your livelihood or if you're just a dick, maybe both? As far as using a commercial tool(s) and studying them, OF COURSE I'm going to do that. I already own them and why wouldn't I glean info if available? You'd have to be at least mildly retarded not to. That is LITERALLY the definition of reverse engineering. I'd venture to guess you've probably done the same as well before you decided to hoard and sell the info. Also, I have no need to "get cool with friends" ... maybe that's your bag? Maybe just projecting a bit? Really trying to understand your hostility here.
Reverse engineering means smashing balls with ida for weeks/months, what you are doing is fishing infos to have an easy job done, typical approach of today dickyhead kids, better ask mama to solve problems.
I don't remember to have asked anyone for hints, aid just takes away to pleasure of discovering.
I've an ethic which differs from yours, i dont' give a fuck if some big company sw engineer made bugged code, i respect people that spend time in finding bugs to exploit, i disrespect scriptkiddies.