" But the reason why your question is another question is because it has nothing to do with my question, not even when phrased as an extension to my original im

" But the reason why your question is another question is because it has nothing to do with my question, not even when phrased as an extension to my original imaginary dialogue." I never said it did (I am saying this the second time). You have a right to your opinion. You were using a rhetorical device to put forward an opinion. So was I. I wasn't aware it was somehow offensive, especially since I made it clear I was borrowing the device and not attacking your points and apologised for any inadvertent impressions to the contrary. . If that still offends you ... [shrug] whatever. "I haven't read his work in enough detail" I have. "but I certainly am open to the possibility that some of the proponents of agile methodology do so on the basis of very scant evidence while rejecting other approaches for lack of substantial justification." Fair enough. With that, I exit this thread in the interests of harmony and not wasting time hairsplitting.