Even slicker, Mr. Fried poisoned the well using information that may never be admitted in court.  Since when are the 3 passengers in the first flight experts on plane mechanics?  If they had any kind of expertise at all, you can be sure Mr. Fried would have lauded their qualifications.  Second, their statements are hearsay.  Of course, he had the witting or unwitting assistance of the writer and the Star Advertiser.  You wonder who is worse.