I wouldn't consider myself a "hater" by any means. I'm in fact the opposite. I'm quite the fanboy of Aaron Franklin. I've got his manifesto book, read it cover to cover multiple times, I've waited in line for hours three times while in Austin, and have watched all his YouTube videos a few times.
I think he's everything that's right with BBQ and has a helluva story to go along with it... starting in a backyard, moving up to roadside vending and taking off from there.
I don't like this venture because I feel like it cheapens his brand. I don't particularly care for Myron Mixon because he'll put his name on anything if it'll earn him a nickel. I'm not specifically comparing the two, but when I read the thread title I groaned. I suspect that the smokers will be of the utmost quality, but I won't be buying one and I wish, for legacy's sake, he'd just stick with making bbq. I hope it stops here and we're not soon dealing with AF BBQ aprons and utensils, rubs, cutting boards, etc.