>Then you would be wrong again. There are experts in the field of music, its theory and practice, whose knowledge might be immense yet they are not players themselves. Their knowledge is no less valuable. Being able to play as well adds another dimension but does not diminish the other knowledge. On your basis I cannot have an opinion about anything which I have not done directly myself. But whatever, grind your axe with Walter ...

I disagree. I cannot believe that there are true experts who have not practiced. Music history? Sure. The theories of notation? Yep. But not how to play. We just disagree there.

I'm human and I know myself well enough to realize that part of my "axe," as you put it, is personal. That just causes me to respond more often to him; doesn't change my basic opinion.