Thanks for the reply. Just to be clear I use forums to discuss seek opinions and get details of what other people have experienced in similar situations , not as an alternative to seeking professional advice. (don't most people??)
Would you or anybody have a conversation with complete strangers and then act on their opinion or experience. That's not to say it not useful and interesting to get other peoples opinions and ideas.
Sorry, but my answer to your question was also loaded (chuckle)
"an engineer" was referring to my engineer employed on this job whom I spoke with on the phone as he had not visited site to inspect the footing yet. (chuckle)
So probably best not to read between the lines or make too many presumptions until you have asked the right questions or understand what is being said.
Just to 100% clear I am building a small one story extension (self-build) I am employing professionals directly based on recommendations and I have an engineer employed and who inspects every phase of the job. The time I have with my engineer is limited so I like to have my questions for him fully thought out and reasoned before I meet him. To this end I have conversations with everybody I think might have some valuable input.
This is not my first self-build and in my experience its always best to have as much information and as many opinions as possible. Professionals don't always know everything and usually value good input and discussion. For fleshing out my ideas and finding the right questions I find most forums brilliant.
I don't consider your opinion hash or you answers in anyway helpful to a good discussion. If you are not interested in helping or have nothing useful to add to the discussion or conversion probably best not to take part in the discussion or conversation.
IMHO I don't see the point in having a forum or a discussion where questions are answered with questions or shot down as the conversation doesn't begin and nothing useful is gained. In short it wastes everybody's time.
"An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations"
Sorry if I my reply seems harsh its not meant to be, its just my opinion based on my experience.