KC, most of us were enjoying your being here and interested in the topic you raised.
Please don't give in to the playground bullies; their words can't hurt you unless you decide to let them. Know that when certain people go 'off on one', most of us mentally hit the 'Ignore' button - and our views of yourself, or any other contributor in such circumstances, will be formed by our own knowledge and assessment and not guided by the ramblings of bullies.
You made it very clear why you used the terminology you did; they are entitled to their different opinions but not to impune your character. It was a carelessly chosen phrase and I hope, because I think better of him, that Mr Pig did not intend it as a personal and unjustifiable judgement.
If you see this, I hope you will feel that the forum and most of its members have something to offer you, and will rejoin. You can always add anyone who bullies you to your 'Ignore' list

and just read and interact with the rest of us.
Edited to remove ill-advised adverb.