these forums always make me smile!
well, most of those guys got a point, really: **** happens...
Now, I understand your issue about keeping your gears in good shape, but past the 10th rip on coral, seriously... who cares!!!
It's something else than having a dork putting a board the wrong way around on your brand new kite sitting on the beach, and stiking it in so damn hard that the thin goes through the sail (thanks to the guy who did this to me back in NQL, by the way!( you did well hiding, I'm telling you...)). Speak about stupid damage then.
I agree that it would have been gentle of the guy to come to you to make an apology face to face -we like to keep it friendly...- but even if he was in the wrong, there are no LEGAL rules at the moment that could possibly oblige him to pay for the damage (and that wouldn't make your board become suddenly brand new any way...). And, I agree with you then, beating him up wouldn't solve your problem either!!!
Now, bring me your board: a bit of resin and patch, and I fix it like brand new for you,and for a smile only...