Hey Oli,
In my own defense, I try and make a point of HARDLY EVER commenting on other designers sites. Why is that? Because I am always afraid of people coming back and saying something like "Oh the guys at 2A dont like this or dont like that"
The only things I generally talk about on message boards are in regards to 2A sites when they launch. Some people like to hear about why things were done on 2A sites. Some people dont like to be told reasons they simply like to bash. Maybe you read the wrong thread. I'm pretty positive you are referring to a thread on Flashkit where the designer in question soo bady immitated the 2A site that both myself and David Martin from Fantasy Interfaces had to let the guy know why he was wrong in creating the site he did.
If I have ever commented negatively on another message board about a designer or site, it has been where that person has stolen graphics, stolen sounds, ripped a site or sooo badly imitated a 2A site that I felt necessary to slam them. In any case I have only ever been negative where it is deserved.
in ending I have never proclaimed any such genious. on the contrary I personally find myself to be a gracious, god loving individual who likes helping other people.
If you would like to read more about myself and my history you can read an interview I did at Favourite Website Awards. Simply click the link at the bottom saying "Interviews". I am interview #69.
http://www.favouritewebsiteawards.com/home.html
To continue the thread of best designers my favorites happen to be my friends. David Martin of Fantasy Interfaces www.fantasyinterfaces.com, Mark W. of 2Advanced www.probe3.com, Yasuto Suga www.rayoflight.net and of course Eric Jordan www.2advanced.com.
If you are talking artists..then I am a big fan of www.cubadust.com and www.chapter3.net
Best of luck all
Shane
www.pixelranger.com
www.2advanced.com