I think defending one's friends is perfectly honorable. I have an issue with judging another's righteousness. Maybe it was simply a poor choice of words but it doesn't sit well.
I am not condemning Dan...that is the Lord's business, not mine.
I told him he offended me...I explained what the offense was in detail...and he rejected it totally.
The next step scripturally is to treat him like a heathen...and let the Lord deal with him.