In the end only Mike and Jeremy really know what was going on and what was wrong with that engine.... I have to say, I'd be quiet upset too if I received an engine that I have to take apart because it's "full of sand" ....
Mike acknowledged "over there" that sand probably got in the engine when he was driving it to the warehouse. Knowing Mike I'm sure he was willing to make it right which I'm guessing would only involve paying somebody to disassemble the engine, clean it and then reassemble it.
Other than that, we just have Jeremy's word (who has never even disassembled an engine as far as we know) that "this engine would have blown up the first time it was started", "there were dozens of mistakes made" and "it was more than just sand, trust me". Specifics and pics would go a long way to corroborate these accusations. Trashing somebody's reputation on the internet, especially when it could affect their livelihood should not be taken lightly.
I think all the praise on the forums has gone to somebody's head and he's a little too full of himself.
I'm afraid you’re right. Should have done it another way. Settle out of court would properly have been the best way and I'm sure no one would have gotten hurt since Mike properly didn't do it on purpose. That’s how he makes his living. Why would he jeopardize it? Don’t make sense to me. Maybe there is more to it than has been posted.