Thank you, FBD. His leanings are obvious, as are mine I think. As I said earlier, he is at one end of the cynicism/optimism continuum and I at another. Yet, his responses to me have always been thoughtful and informative. This would be the first time he gave me an arbitrary answer that I can recall if that is, indeed, the case. That is why I inquired directly of him.
Much is happening behind the scenes that creates this artificial time of uncertainty IMO. Yet until it manifests itself visibly and publicly, there is plenty of room for respectful disagreement as to which way it will go. My dad taught me that "Production talks, everything else walks" (as in out the door). I give GS the benefit of the doubt that, if sales do indeed come in (I don't think he will be convinced merely by research spirals) his prognosis for the company will change. I do not think that is true of all who post on this board IMO.
As to his tone toward management, everyone is allowed a bad day. I do wish we would avoid pejoratives as we post here, however. I think we can be better than that, as apparently do you--another thing we agree on, FBD! Best regards, Indy.