Black,
You brought the subject up, and appeared to be quite pleased with yourself.
Yet, it has backfired on you, because from your own accounts of the encounter, it appears to some on these boards that you were guilty of "arrogance of youth."
Ask yourself, "Is that indeed the case?"
And the next time a similar situation takes place, say something like the following: "Sorry sir, didn't mean to bother you. Sure, I'll turn it down."
It's easy, and far preferable for building good will.