i love how people(well kids) mistake respect for dick riding.
if JT did nothing for skating and we all sat around and said he was the shit, that would be dick riding.
a dude who came from nothing, broke himself for skating, started his own thing, employs 25+ pros/ams, not to mention all the regular people he employs that work in the office, i would say the man has earned our respect.
respect isn't something you simply get, its something you earn.