In honesty, I agree that complete non-response may not have been exactly the best way to go. Mostly because it looked to many that you weren't defending yourself, and that made us nervous and wanting to fight FOR you. Personally, the first time I felt a collective wave of pain was when TT OG FB was taken down. But I knew that wouldn't be the end but a rebirth, as most painful experiences can become.
I understand the dilemma, and most of us whom love you, though a bit frustrated with the decision, understand. However, the optics, the optics are a nightmare. It looked like you were accepting powerlessness and just living there. This was not the case, but optics. We were/are already unable to help outwardly, especially if we are following your lead and teachings, which brought many of us to be feeling powerless as well.
I feel like there is a healthy middle ground where we should see that you, your team are working to counteract, defend against untruth and misrepresentation of you, your teachings and methods. Just a hint here or there is enough. The degree of defense will always be your choice but I don't think passivity works very well in the world today. I think negative must be met head on in a tangible way. You once said on stage, "I can't make war wrong" when speaking about a country defending itself. The same is true for the individual. We are human, and defence against attack is natural and I don't think it's healthy not to defend oneself in most cases.
So, I'm glad you've told us that a lawsuit was won. I hope there was monetary compensation. That gives us a bit of satisfaction and perhaps will be a deterrent.
So far, by the way, the new documentary, that Tribers have been so angst ridden over, is brilliant.
I have the utmost faith in the choices you make Teal, we can not disregard the fact that you are also on a personal journey that deserves respect and understanding and we are right beside you.