i think it's "qualified" privilege - i.e. a 'harsh, but true' kinda defence i'd say bates used the term 'shyster' quite deliberately in this instance. reckon it's a fine line that he trampled over with his customary bullishness. hateful c***. toss-up between him and michael o'leary for the most unpleasantly self-serving and disregarding of his 'customer base' high profile business executive