Word of mouth seemed to trump solid due diligence and careful risk assessment.

Do you mean like any of the following:

• Like the positive words heard at the 2010 AGM I attended, Nick Fuller, Lloyd & CEO, & much more?
• Like the positive words heard at the 2011 AGM I attended from the CEO about Kevin K working with us on a day to day basis, & much more?
• Like the very postive words I heard from the CEO at the Petroleum Clun in Edmonton April 18, 2010? 
• Like the 2009 Wall Street Reporter Interview with the CEO?
• Like the June 17, 2010 video of Norm McKinnon our Financial Officer at the time

I guess the list goes on for me, but are these the type of examples you mean of "word of mouth" ?

For me, hearing all these things, gave me an absolutely positive outlook of the Company, at the times I heard them.

The words, the News Releases, the reports, etc, only add to the positive outlook.