I haven't had previous problems with etcshadow.

But I hate it when people give categorical advice that I think is bad, particularly when they know full well that very competent people disagree with them! If you know that people disagree with you, understand the disagreement and respect it. Sure, go ahead and offer the advice but make it clear that it is what you personally like to do. Don't take the attitude, This is what everyone should do and I can't believe that some experienced people have been stupid enough to argue with me. That's guaranteed to not sit well with any experienced person who does not agree with you.

Which is what happened.