OK, as you can probably tell, I've never read a style guide in my life, so I can't comment on that. On the other hand, whoever this was went to some trouble to find a stick to beat you with, looking up your publishing history and so forth. I wonder if they thought you'd trodden on their toes or otherwise encroached upon their assumed area of expertise?

I've had people call me all sorts in comments. I give as good as I get. I've never blocked anyone, but I have been blocked by one or two. What can I say? Perople shouldn't enter a battle of wits half-armed, as it were!