I still don't get the heat.

If you ride on sidewalks occasionally, why would you care what anybody here on the forum thinks about it. You've made your own decision and don't owe anybody (except maybe a local cop or judge) any explanation or justification.

OTOH- if you believe that riding on the sidewalk is some sort of cardinal sin, why would you care is some anonymous person in some othr city, state or country far from you feels it's justified. As long as he's not crossing your path, or running down your family, you have no dog in the fight.

I know that there are some who believe that ANYTHING any cyclist does reflects on all cyclists, but the conflict on this thread is carrying it to ridiculous extremes.

As far as I care, anyone may ride on a sidewalk for whatever reason he feels makes sense, as long as he's respectful of those who belong there - namely the pedestrians. Otherwise it falls under the No harm-- no foul rule.