Hi. I have not had experience in your field, but I've had experience in thr padgeant business and I have bred and showed my prize winning Persian cars for many years. People are mean in these kinds of circles......they just are. I've cried many times when I was younger about their meanness, and eventually had to realize that there are somethings we just have no control over. My advice is to maintain your ethics, don't stoop to their levels, always be nice.....I know it's hard sometimes......but eventually they give up. They accept you and even respect you.......but it can take years. I luckily had a full time job that saw me through. Respect to you and good luck