there not talking shite, quite dismissive really that. You have to remember that people abroad probably dont understand the history and heritage behind London Techno. It is techno yes, but its easy to see why its miscontrued as hard dance. Alot of it would benefit from slower bpm's maybe, and alot of it does sound similiar, too similiar infact, probably the main reason why i never got into it really, and alot of the artists do crossover between techno and hardhouse labels and artists, DAVE on Vicious Circle with Glazby etc etc, just depends on where your from and what London Techno means to you personally id say. Someone in say Greece or Bulgaria or what have you probably isnt going to be feeling the london squat, free party vibe so much as say someone living down Brick Lane.