I think he has some useful info. For anyone that is female or has a girlfriend, Rip Trippers videos emulate a lot of the popular female fashion blog videos. Check one out and see how they cut the videos and talk. He does appear genuine in his response, especially by not saying any names.
But I am surprised none of his reviews involve free samples. If so then his videos are to plug his own stuff for sale and possibly because he likes doing the reviews. I can imagine a lot of different reasons to post videos on youtube. He may not be for everyone, but there is a real audience based on his views and comment feed. Popular enough for others to make up negative things about him too. I like that there are vaping reviewers with vastly different styles.
He definitely has some useful info, and I've sought it out more than a couple of times. He can be just too much for me, and his editing is kinda wacky. I don't doubt what you say about the fashion videos, and I'm not ragging on Rip. We all are different, have different ways of expressing ourselves, and thus we have different preferences in what we take in, and how.
This also goes along with the whole lack of attendance at vape meets. It was mentioned that he's a bit of an introvert, and being one myself at times, to an extent, I can understand how going to a large crowded event, one which tons of people would know you're face and want to speak to you, could be intimidating. I get anxiety at times in those scenarios, and it has actually kept me from a couple small shop meets in the past couple of months. I'm nobody, so being Rip, if he is that way, it could be very uncomfortable. Plus, who cares why he doesn't go. It doesn't make him better or worse, dishonest or honest. He has no obligation to anybody to show up at conventions, as well.
And it sounds like we agree on his handling of the accusations. When people start getting overly angry and or defensive, they look guilty. He does the exact opposite, and pretty much just outlines in a calm fashion how he operates. As I said, I'm not generally fond of his demeanor, or however you want to put it, but he's pretty knowledgable, and seems to be pretty honest now that this has all come to light. Him saying that people should've come to him with the accusations shows me he has nothing to hide, as well. His willingness to face them head on is how it should've happened in the first place. Would've been less of a high school drama scenario.