Hello all, is not the Apple Firewire cable technology engineered so that it is OK to plug in a device while a computer is on?
This procedure, slang term in US, called "Hot Plugging"-a UCLA engineering grad tells me that in the last 6 years or so, the technology is able to do that, and no damage to a firewire computer port should happen
M-Audio company technical people are starting to email me, since their Firewire Solo CRAP device made my Mac G4 laptop computer port inoperable-despite following their CRAPpy worthless instructions.
Everybody told me, as soon as this happened they will try to "B.S." me, blame me,shirk responsibility, & it began about 7 hours ago.
So would like your technical opinion.
Isn't their "EXCUSE" - "You did not follow our Instructions"
IRRELEVANT since Firewire technology is engineered to enable "hot plugging"?

I'd say it is generally best to follow the manufacturers instructions. What does the user guide say?

If it says in the instructions not to yank the firewire connector out while your computer is on (and vice versa) then theres probably a good reason for saying this.

Have you contacted Apple? Perhaps the firewire port can be replaced?