>>Personally I think they see it as detracting from the Marian cult <<
I think responses framed with that sort of talk take away from the theological nature of the discussion and instead turn it into hot-button sideways Catholic-bashing.
Not at all intended as such or to offend (although it obviously did). Use of the word "cult" was not meant to imply "worship" of Mary, but prayer to Her or any Saints for intercession with God. I believe that is still allowed and somewhat encouraged by the RCC and is a point of honest theological discussion between friends and brothers who agree on most but not on everything.
Pax