Update: I got in a heated text argument with one of the members and things turned pretty ugly. But unfortunately thats going to do it......I burned the bridge BIG TIME now.
I am so passive aggressive, I smile and stay quiet and I put up with it until one day I just EXPLODE and that is what happened.
I asked a guy that I thought was my friend and who always chimes in "If there is ever ANYTHING you need just give me a call, brother. 24/7"
So I asked this guy if he would be willing to speak to the old-timer on my behalf and ask him to lay off and he DECLINED to do it! He DECLINED to have a 3 minute conversation. Well this infuriated me and I advised him that he is giving "empty gestures" by offering to help me and then when i ask him he says no.
Well anyways, I didnt say anything I regret saying. But there is going to be blowback. Certainly I will have to avoid that meeting for at least 3 weeks.