Mate, why make an issue of it? We can comfortably afford it, and it's important to us, so that's all that matters! What's it got to do with you?
Well, clearly some, as you questioned the need for wood to be thoroughly dried out! What's written in the article is fact, pure and simple.
And, with respect, I don't give a flying toss what your friend did or is, as he is not me, and I am not him. I enjoy the process I use to maintain our wood stove. It's not a competition to see who wins 'hunter/gatherer' of the year - for me, it's about having FUN, and getting a good result, and for me both are ably achieved
You also seem to be under the misapprehension that our wood stove is a big part of us being self-sufficient. Clearly it could be, if we lived nearer a wood or in a rural area and could be a arsed collecting wood and drying it, etc, etc. However, the point is that the option is always there *if* it was ever necessary, and unlike many, we're not reliant on gas or electricity for our heating.
Not sure where that's come from, and it's more than a little judgmental and also confrontational, as you know nothing about how 'tough' I am. Being tight as a duck's arse is certainly nothing necessarily to be proud about. In any case, I would read the bit I've highlighted again and see exactly how it comes across, and the smiley at the end doesn't make it any better.
You have a bad habit, Steve, of taking friendly banter too far and not knowing when to stop, so if you're not careful we'll be heading for another fallout.
Marco.