We all know that, being an agricultural product, leaves change from crop to crop, so our inability to "sourc[e] the same raw leaf" is a red herring of an argument.
The unique processes and blending recipes that they discovered, developed, and employed, though, are something that they could've/should've shared, or at least documented for a future generation to employ. Not doing so is the same as having all of their possessions buried with them to ensure that no one else will ever benefit. And that's why I say it's selfish. (Of course, perhaps they have secretly documented their processes to be released or at least passed on for a future generation, and if so, I will happily eat my words and beg forgiveness for my current comments. But until and unless we know that they did, my opinion stands.)
For the record, if as rumored STG destroys the Sutliff processing equipment to preclude any other company from buying and using it to produce products that they are killing off in the name of short-term shareholder returns, that would be the exact same thing. And it's just as execrable.
You
THINK you know what you're talking about, but you don't.
For example ---
The equipment that was used by McC and Sutliff was not destroyed to "preclude any other company from buying and using it" but because federal safety regulations have become more strict since it was made, which means anyone who bought it and had an employee injured by it, could
SUE them for
HAVING SOLD it.
To be legally protected, machinery like that not only can't be sold, but its destruction must be witnessed by someone who is certified, and with a full documentation follow-up.
The tobacco and processes side of things was equally intractable and much more complicated.
How do I know? What is my source? I have known Mike and Mary for decades, and they live within walking distance of me. My mother was a teacher of his in elementary school.
They are two of the finest humans I have ever met in my life, full stop. I could tell you stories of their generosity you literally wouldn't believe. Events I witnessed first hand.
So give it a rest, OK?
Describing their behavior as "selfish" and "excreable"
COULD NOT BE farther from the truth.
Again, (and hopefully for the last time): You
THINK you know what you're talking about, but you don't.