///Buzz, you can't seriously credit something solely on the basis of the frequency with which it's repeated! ///
Solely on that basis - No - many ridiculous things are oft repeated. However in the case of abuse in these programs, I find the persistent consistency very credible. This young man's account is not unusual. It is typical of what others have described in each of the programs "schools".
His time in the Hobbit was longer than average - but longer than average stays are not uncommon. Most kids, (and even Jay Kay himself), remark on knowing of "students" kept in Isolation/ OP/ the Hobbit/ on their face - for months (many months) at a time. Time in these places always involves restricted diet, and very unpleasant (tortuous) conditions.
As for his specific case - it has been mentioned by numerous persons, who were witness. It seems his long stretch in the Hobbit is something that has stuck in the minds of many who were there at the time. Their combined memories, independently agreeing to the facts of the case, are extremely credible.
///The young man in question has no credibility. Neither does his father.///
I do not know the young man. I can't say weather he is credible or not. I suspect you do not know him either, and so have no basis for declaring him unreliable. Or, maybe you do know him; and are threatened by the credibility of his testimony.
I do know the father. I have never had any reason to doubt his word. He has no reason to lie. He was at one time a true believer. It was the undeniable proof his son was brutalized that reformed him and his opinion.
///Again, no charges, no damages, nothing but stories proliferated on the net, and given weight simply because they get talked about a lot.///
They may not have sued for damages; I don't know what, if any, complaints were filed. I do know nothing much can be expected by way of consequences to SLC, even in the face of irrefutable evidence of appalling conditions and physical trauma. The local yocals just nod and wink, and its business as usual.
I'd say the account of the abuse this individual suffered, attained great weight, with his father's sworn testimony in Federal court.
If he had committed perjury, I am sure the program goons would see to it he were charged. And so the shoe is now on the other foot my friend. He was not sued or charged with perjury. And so by your reasoning his testimony is thereby proven true.
///The fact is, the main parts of the story remain questionable.///
Nothing about this account is at all questionable. Its true - it happened - So now what?
Will you take another big swig of Kool-Aid, and argue that such treatment isn't abusive?