As Mr. U says, there is a difference between being good and and being arrogant.  I don't mind someone who is good and knows that they're good.  I was actually enjoying EJ's story until I got to the bit about "I would have gotten out with or without help."  That was totally obnoxious.  
  You see, I happen to know Shipley and Jackson.  Scott put himself at risk to rescue EJ from a near death situation.  It was much more than a little rude and, yes, very ARROGANT to say, "well I would have gotten out with or without help."  The appropriate response is Thank you Scott, you were great!  A mature person recognizes a person who saves their life instead of diminishing them in order to point out that "I'm so good I did't need his help."  (Sure I was yelling for it, but I didn't NEED it)  
       Now, Scott is *confident* enough that I'm sure he doesn't care.  Nonetheless EJ's comment was obnoxious and immature not to mention untrue!  If he truly was confident of his ability to escape the hole then he would be willing to drop in again without setting any safety.  We all know that no one would.  He is full of shit and that comment was a total lie.    
     EJ is a total "look at me" guy.  In fact, that is his job.  Too bad that you have such admiration for the guy.  I have much more admiration for pros that are able to share their knowledge without the BS.  I'd rather hear from JB or Clay any day.  Notice that they don't get any slams?  Know why that is?  They're not full of shit.    
  
   Shipley is a world class boater who is an athlete first, and a promoter second.  EJ is a promoter who happens to be an athlete.  EJ might leave?  We should be so lucky.