I think there may be more than one show co being discussed here flecom.
That said, I'm always surprised how often 'time in the business' is quoted as being a good indicator of safe practices.
In my experience, some of the companies who've been at it for a long time are the worst offenders (not implications about the poster here, however - just observational).
TBH though, I would think its far easier to just say 'yes, we're varianced, and we don't crowd scan' than saying no explanations are owed or required. Just sounds a bit defensive is all. The close knit bit just seems to suggest 'we look after our own' rather than giving any credibility to the discussion.