Well! This "...Debby Downer could have brought me a lot more cheer today than seeing that article!!!! Why even get out of bed??? ..." gave me a good laugh today.

Let me see if I can put this in perspective for you. Dr Joe Falkinham has dedicated his career to studying NTM exposure, especially. Just like anyone else with a highly specialized subject, he sees NTM differently than you and me. He sees it a "It's everywhere, it's everywhere" and tries to figure out how to eliminate it as a risk. That's his life work.

His point of view makes sense in some environments - get it out of the water systems in hospitals, so you are not spreading it to high risk patients.

We see it as "Oh yeah, let's be conscious of it being everywhere" and try to be careful as we live our lives to the fullest. Like you, I take reasonable precautions and move on - but I am somewhat of a risk-taker. Other people are more risk-averse, and willing to spend a lot more time and effort on trying to stay safe.
Sue