I wouldn't say it's rude Uk. People have the right to be concerned (I'm not one of them) but it's well within their rights as customers who some have purchased scores of licenses. Unless speculation is now being branded as rude then by all means let's stop discussing right now.
But I agree, the staff have their reasons (and entitled to their privacy) but the subject I expect is the future of vbulletin that some members are concerned about. We can both agree that they have a right to discuss a matter close to them. Regardless of that.... I'm not fussed either way.

I think I may have said that already.