I find it awful convenient when a certain group with a vested (if laughable) interest in the failure of a thing has "problems." Little things like you having actual quotes but still saying you're "having trouble" are telling. You can certainly claim a conspiracy if you want. I think it's funny that you are only capable of seeing bias going in one direction.
RE: the plans I was just curious about what his friends' prior insurance costs were and if he'd looked at all his options in different levels. I know a number of people who, in my state at least, are doing better than before.