That certenaly isn't this case, for two reasons.
1 Earl isn't making the same as us, so that case dies in the root.
2 Both BAS and Earl respect each others deeply, and we are always ready to help each others, for example I've already helped earl one time,and I'm sure he already helped some of us also.
My politic in this situations goes for, we both are trying to make each others game better,so instead of being rivals, I always try to help and learn. Even if for example we both were making the same thing,maybe this time one wil make a better job, next time the other will... so really no chance for having rivals with me.
This is how I see things, and in this particulary case,EARL, certenaly will NEVER be a rival but he would be always a good friend, since I'm a big admirer of his work