Remember the old saw, "Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it."
Fred may be on-line much more than you realize. Perhaps he sees his role as warden/mentor, rather than as "sparring partner"?
BTW, please remember what you wrote to me: I choose what I respond to. (#msg-517950) Maybe Fred is of similar mind, and IMO, he just might ask you to respond to the questions I asked you re your #msg-517911.