So they dislike Leupold optics and they claim to be BR shooters????

Funny thing cuz at the BR matches I've been to I seen approx. 90% Leupold glass on those rigs.

Sounds to me like you ran into a couple of the infamous "chuckle heads" Not true riflemen. There is always chuckle heads around willing to give you advice. Idiots..... The true BR's I've been around don't give advice unless asked, and when they talk you had better be listening.