Off to play in a D&D game today, set in Blackmoor...

[chirine ba kal]

I run into the same issues when talking about Phil's style of game play with 'modern' gamers; they often have issues with the idea that he did not - like Dave also did not - play by 'the letter of the rules' and instead played by the spirit of them.

I have the same problems, but it is OK: everybody is entitled to play to the style they prefer. I get way too bored at games run by rules lawyers and they feel insulted at games run the way I prefer.
I can live with this.

Agreed; play the way you what to, and how the group wants to. My issue with this guy was being told that I was "dragging down the party by not knowing the rules" - I don't own any of the books, nor do I have any of the computer apps that he was using to run his PC - and meeting his standards of play. No problem; I have lots of other things I can be doing of a Sunday afternoon and evening. I was surprised that the GM felt that an apology was needed, but I gather that this particular player has been a similar problem in other groups and has been cautioned several times about his behavior. I'm just trying to stay away from the unhappiness, myself...