Chris,
Thanks for joining!
I cover this topic on my web site here
http://www.clavius.org/bibkubrick.html but it sounds as if I need to correct some facts. The Clavius web site also ranks high in the Google rankings, so hopefully the true story will get equal exposure.
There is really no indulgence occurring: we like having exactly your sort of contribution. BAUT is primarily about getting to the bottom of things as best we can.
You've discovered a few things about conspiracy theorists in following your essay from inception to acceptance. Chiefly, they dont' seem to have a sense of humor and they'll believe almost anything that seems to support their beliefs. It's amazing how earnestly conspiracy theorists will believe the most patently silly things.
You're not at all alone.
http://www.clavius.org/bibmilne.html describes another author in your same situation. He contacted me a few years ago and told me his story. He also wrote an article purporting to support the hoaxed moon landing theory. And his too was paraded through conspiracist circles as if it were the honest truth. The author, one David Milne, wrote for a tabloid that was printed using the labor of the homeless and destitute in order to teach them a skill and give them and sense of hope. He wrote the copy and they printed and distributed it. He never intended his article to be taken seriously either, but it was latched onto and has been enshrined in conspiracy lore forever.
If you have the authoritative version of the story, I'd be happy to put it on my web site with any comments you'd care to add.