From what I can see elsewhere, this study on 'CFS' from Montoya, has been generally welcomed by those of the 'ME' camp (adding further confusion to any attempt to 'separate the two'). Now whilst I might be accused of splitting hairs, I take it that rather than this all being about 'ME' it is actually being welcomed because it involved a drug and not a therapy:
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/?p=13221
It does make the whole issue rather lame in my opinion. If for example this drug were to survive a blinded study of significance - it would presumably be offered to anyone with a diagnosis of CFS (and ME). Offered in any and all 'specialist centres' or GP surgeries. Where then would it leave those who push 'ME' ahead of 'CFS'? Rhetorical question but you see what I mean? When it comes to drugs I think people are more accepting of "it must be good" and thoughts of which "sub-category" i.e. ME or CFS go out of the window. "Just give me that drug, man!"
Of course the efficacy of the Montoya study it will be argued, was dependent in large part on the criteria used, and the assessments made by the lead clinicians. But when it comes to this study I understand it also had as much to do with the existence of viral titres. Now how does that stack up in the 'ME/CFS' debate? Doesn't it cut right across any and every argument? Rather like Lipkin's study?
There are way, way more studies on CFS using so-called CFS i.e. non-ME criteria - even including studies from yesteryear. Because there are deemed to have been 'no answers' yet I think people conclude that they are looking at the wrong people, that there must be more to it, because I am still sick.
Nought wrong with throwing the ineffectiveness of the PACE trial back at them and demanding better treatments generally, but demanding that a separate group be represented, isolating another, based on who knows what (severity? the latest criteria of the moment?) just seems rather short-sighted and in the context of parliamentary representation, potentially very damaging (the suggestion I mean - as it was never taken up of course).