I have been a by-standard on this thread.
But I will know say two quick things.
Concerning the original topic.
1) Friends can be Friends, but Money is money.
People who can normally be friends can become bitter when money is involved.
It is no use conjecturing who was "right" or "wrong" the decision may be completely financially made that have nothing to do with being "nice" or "pleasant", etc.
This is why I not to do business with friends.
The UK vs USA thing.
2) I personally, as an American, value our close relationship as countries and Allies :-). We, Americans, and the British Commonwealth nations (canada-uk-nz-australia) do share in a common past and common culture.
Enough of the touchy feeling stuff
Yes the whole UK-GB-England thing is very confusing to us on this side of the pond. I would guess to say that the average American does not know the difference between the three. Ie if England-Wales-Scotland-Northern Ireland are one country, why do they have separate world cup teams. It would be like the US having 50 different teams.
I remember as a kid wondering why the British union jack looked different during the American Revolutionary War than it does today, (ie missing a half of a red cross).
and where is the Welsh flag in the British union jack?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_JackFurther confusing the issue was the use of the term Great Britain at the Olympics (ie the British Isles minus Ireland).
