Dave, I don't think you were harsh or something in your post.

I personally think hackamore or bb is great for horses and I started both mine in very mild sidepull (much milder than even bb). However I found out that it just doesn't work for my paint (she tossed her head all the time and refused to turn). So I got very mild french link with copper or something (for better taste) and she likes it much better. All horses are SO different that it's hard to predict what work for some, and not work for others.