I think the belt says nothing about you being a human being. So yes, your opinion does matter. I think the crux was the guy said all GU purple belts were poop, or something like that. He was most likely meaning the "online" GU purple belts. However, what he and most misunderstand is that the belts are only awarded in person at a CTC or at Gracie GU HQ by a qualified instructor after completing a belt test. A misunderstanding is that the belts are awarded online. They are not. The instructor stripes for Blue Belt and Purple Belt can be video recorded and submitted to a GU Black Belt for review. These are not belt promotions.

GU does not promote sport BJJ. It is not forbidden, but they don't go as a gym or affiliate to compete in BJJ sport competitions. GU does have MMA fighters from time to time and does endorse MMA however, GU is hyperfocused on self-defence ie: street fights, weapons defense, situational awareness, anti-bully, women's defence, etc.
I hope this clarifies some.

Gracie University was controversial when it first came out because they would award a Gracie Combatives blue belt through video testing. The belt apparently had a “Gracie Combatives” patch on it to distinguish it from a regular Gracie Jiu-Jitsu blue belt and the online test was incredibly strict (i.e., far more people failed it than passed it on the first try). Nonetheless, the BJJ community heavily criticized the practice of giving an online belt. When Gracie University became part of Rickson Gracie’s Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF), Rickson put a stop to the GU online blue belt and had them replace it with a new “Combatives” white belt with a navy blue stripe running down the center. This video explains the changes: https://www.youtube.com/w[...]eRaWLVOuPQ.

(I should note that I’m not part of Gracie University. I own a lot of their instructional materials and I have trained at Gracie U headquarters in Torrence, but I’m affiliated with Burton Richardson. I do think that Gracie U has some of the best BJJ videos on the market for those interested in self-defense, even if you aren’t pursuing rank through their organization.)

One wonders if there was not a lot of professional jealousy from many in the BJJ community regarding a high production quality subscription service teaching Helio Gracie's core curriculum.

The BJJ community is not known for it's good behavior, well balanced opinions, and restraint from exuberant dialogue.

I have always loved garage and home matted areas, myself.

I love for profit clubs, non-profit clubs, professionals, and amateur enthusiasts alike (although professionals can be a handful to coach...)

The idea of a strapped for time parent training through that carefully designed curriculum with their kids, or as they get older has a lot of charm in my view.

I am not affiliated with the Rener and Ryron academy, nor do I get a rev share nor commission for offering this contrary opinion to the mob of Internet haters that seems to love to gossip about others.

After all, all one has to do, if one does not like their offering, is offer better alternatives, and let the markets and people decide.

Vale Tudo, MMA, and grappling competitions all exist to settle performance questions, as well, in sporting fashion.