How did the perceptions of Sai Baba differ between other holy men and the general public in his early days?

In Sai Baba's early days, there was a stark contrast in how he was perceived. Holy men like Anandnath Maharaj of Akkalkot immediately recognized his spiritual greatness. According to Chapter 0, Anandnath referred to Baba as a "diamond" and a "gem," stating, "You don't know its true value. Even if he is on a dunghill, he is a direct diamond." In contrast, the general public of Shirdi saw him as a mad Fakir. This was because he wore torn clothes, sat in random places, and sometimes assumed a fierce demeanor. It was only after witnessing miracles, like him lighting lamps with water, that the villagers' delusion was removed and they began to understand his true worth.