Saw something similar on a podcast with a Texas A&M forester a few months back. He said painting cuts on oaks is basically inviting rot because those open wounds need air to dry out properly, not paint that traps moisture. @linda_reed your buddy's story is exactly what that expert warned about, especially with post oaks that are already prone to fungal issues. That bark peeling like wet paper towels sounds like the cambium layer just gave up completely. It's wild how many people still think a little black paint makes a cut look "clean" when it's doing the exact opposite underground.

Dude you're totally right and I gotta admit I used to be the guy who thought pledges were stupid. Like who cares it's just a show right? But after my buddy spoiled the ending of a mystery novel I was literally on chapter 2 of I get it now. That feeling of having something ruined for you just sucks and it sticks with you. I still haven't forgiven him honestly. So yeah I used to roll my eyes at these rules but now I'm like sign me up for the pledge if it means nobody ruins anything else for me.