Can certainly see the merits of both sides though not equally. I wish my gym had more members like Tony instead of like me. The small group of members that behave as Tony does make it an ok place to workout.
I will offer this: The small group of in my gym that are: Big, respecful, respected, friendly, and have been members a while can be viewed with a little bit of a judgemental eye by some of the personal trainers and employees. We typically have been their longer, as they tend to come and go and we have been their anywhere from 7 years to 15 years. We typically are recognized and spoken to by more people just by virtue of being their five days a week for years on end. I think so many members come say hi or ask questions in passing, that it evokes a bit of unwarranted jealousy on some of the newer employees that do not know us as well.
I would bet Tony is a "victim" of a little of the same thing. Hopefully the problem can be revisited a later date where logic might prevail. Its problematic right now because some become a little "rooted" to their staked out position. It is rare that two rational minds working together cannot forge satisfactory conclusion. I feel the exception would be a specific insurance clause, but that does not seem to be the case.
Off topic Side Note:
I was called out by two personal trainers Tuesday (Back Day). I let the seated cable pull drop about six inches (back cramp) and it caused an additional rubber plate that is used for incremental pounds to fall and also make noise in addition to the stack. After enduring what admittedly was four or five good natures stabs at me across the gym in front of their clients, and feeling somewhat self conscious. I finally said to one of the trainers, "You might make that noise too if you ever get to the bottom of the stack like I am". They and their clients pretty much cracked up.
.gif "IP Gear")
" 
