McKusick and Warren defined culture complexes on San Clemente Island as distinct collections of artifacts, spatially isolated, and representative of a local cultural adaptation. In doing so, they were reticent about interpreting each of their three culture complexes as culturally distinct and gave several alternative interpretations. Townsend misinterpreted this definition of culture complexes and considered the alternative interpretations as contradictory statements and the qualifying statement as disclaimers. Furthermore, Townsend overemphasized the importance of disturbance in the sites tested by McKusick and Warren and the importance of steatite on San Clemente Island. A more studied analysis by Townsend could have resulted in more constructive criticism.