I agree with you regarding viewership of Rumpole of the Bailey.
But, anyone who is wishing to appear legally savvy, AND, actually making a point about slander, would no way in hell be quoting a 40 year old TV programme as a reference/example, would they? Truly laughable, isn't it?
If they were really serious, their terminology would have been far more based on legal advice they had sought before posting their comments.
Well, that is what I would have done.
AND, again, I totally agree with you too, if the CHMN is taking advice from Gerry - God, help them!