If you are asking for my honest opinion, here it is: It is difficult for me to see how you could not see many of the comments directed to him as being unkind.  I didn't use the word 'rude' but actually yes, rude as well in my opinion, definitely rude.  Context is key in looking at every situation, and the context is that someone is obviously coming to the Forum for the very first time, doesn't know the rules of the road, hasn't taken the time to learn, said some off-putting and possibly ill-considered things, and then had his head handed to him (even for interesting and arguably good talking points that were obviously misconstrued out of hand) and then ran for the hills.  And now you state flatly you don't think we not rude or unkind.  Maybe carefully read all of the responses, and then say that again.  Callous is probably another good word, maybe a better one.  He threw up his hands, but do you think he would have had done this had responses been otherwise (than rude, unkind and callous)?

Your standards for rudeness or unkindness may not match up with mine, and that's fine, but I am really curious about what yours are in this case, on the Forum??

I am also curious to know if anyone stopped for a moment to read carefully what I wrote in preface to his posts, and stop to consider that I had stuck my own neck out in asking my dear friend of over 40 years to engage in the Forum, that I thought it could be interesting for us (because of how far he goes back and his proximity, etc) but mostly how it could possibly be enriching for for him.  I did not need to do this, but obviously I felt there is something of real value here.  I am not suggesting that many were not aware of this dynamic BTW, but I wonder on how many this was lost.

I have a question for you?  What do you (or anyone else that cares to answer) feel is the core purpose(s) of this website?  Why do we spend time here??

Maybe its time for me to retool my own opinion (not being sarcastic nor judgmental here, just quite honest).

I'd really appreciate the input.

Mike