You were bothered when Joe 61 and his cronies were having a go at you. Different story then, boot on the other foot and all that. Your rattle was right out of the pram as I remember. You must have a short memory or maybe you have grown yourself a shell for your back as you put it as you certainly didn't have one back then.
Give the guy a break he is maybe just looking for re-assurance and not riddicule.
Paul.