Barbara P. You make eminent sense, as usual, and you are probably the most rational member of this list. I sense though, without any evidence, that so many list members are lurkers because they are intimidated by (1) the knowledge or seeming expertise of some members, and/or (2) the brow beating that some contributors may elicit from others. It is far safer to remain in the shadow than to make waves. If one is prone to make waves, he/she ought to assure h..self that the carrying vessel is sturdy enough to withstand those waves, otherwise it might prove disastrous. Michel