Ok everyone who responded, thanks. (But stop callling him my "buddy" I despise the guy)
Sorry I didn't see the Major Tom thread earlier, or I wouldn't have bumped this thread, asking the same question (why are the Hale image artefacts different from any of the other ESA compression artefacts?).
I see it was suggested that transmission problems and/or over-proccessing are the most likely causes, and, of course, that is a gadzilllion times more likely than that the artfacts are "real".
I don't really understand what has happened enough to explain it to or convince "my buddy", or anyone else, but I accept it.
I never thought the artefacts were real, I just didn't (and still don't really) understand why the Hale image/s have different artefacts from other images (or any I've been shown anyway), but I won't waste anyone's time any further.
I just hate being told something and to accept it. My instinct is to say "show me, prove it".
Once again, thanks for your time, and if nothing else, I have found a very interesting site.