He did say it. http://quotations.amk.ca/sherlock-holmes/2.html It’s relevant to me. I wouldn’t call it obscure either. I agree with Doyle.
I never disputed that he did. And of course you agree with him. It’s what you want to believe. The difference is, however, that I provided you with logical reasoning. When you call something an “exception,” you’re acknowledging that there is a rule.
Anyway, be careful. You’re coming very close to conforming to a stereotype.