In the case of Ruger, and Smith & Wesson, they have to walk a tight line due to shareholders. Though as one of their shareholders (I own stocks in both companies, plus a bunch of other gun/ammo/sporting goods companies), I would have been fine with a more aggressive statement.
The real problem is and if it had been me, I would have said it, "If during a congressional hearing you make disparaging remarks about a government entity that regulates you, they are going to be up your butt the next week."
The other thing, I noticed is anytime the chairwoman asked a question and didn't get an answer she liked, she shut them up and "took back her time".
I also think a more nuanced stance is needed. The ATF shouldn't be making laws, they should be enforcing the laws that our lawmakers make though. I also think we need less laws in general.
