Of course they could claim that they created a "nickname" for themselves so not to be noticed and able to post their own opinions. But it was on more than just their own forums. If it was just on their own forums, one could by the "just testing" theory, but on other forums and in support of their parent company and putting down competitors makes it look and smell like Astroturf.

I wonder if there are companies that have shills for hire that can promote any business or product and put down rivals? In the US, is shilling legal? Are there laws against this sort of thing? I'd imagine so, because it is like deceiving people for finacial gain. I'll bet that we will see more of this in action in the near future. Don't casinos use shills to make it look like people are winning a lot, don't they place these people near the enterances to the casino to get more people in? Chances are the guy or gal that is winning a whole sh*tload of money is either a shill or stepped into a lot of horsesh*t and became really really lucky. :)