sycamore,
Please refrain from making unbased assumptions. "Most people who buy into William and Gail's stories are those who already have an axe to grind with Mike Castro...such as people who have been turned away at the ranch, or locals who feel that the shortest path to the springs from their places should be free to them even though it crosses private property." I don't have an "axe to grind with Mike" ... I have never had a problem with Mike nor am I a local. Don't label everyone.
You say, "Personally, I'd be much more afraid of having to deal with William and Gail than I am of dealing with Mike Castro." Have you ever met either of them? Why do you make assumptions about people you have never met? You'd be much better off reserving judgement for when you have all your information. Didn't you say you are a relatively new-comer to the hot springs?
And, why do you assume you will be called names by Gail and/or William? Your statement doesn't sound very friendly to me ... it is quite inflamatory. Is that close enough for a name?