++ What a great analogy, and an excellent write-up!!

As monks, we should recognize that ignorance of better technique is part of the learning process, and we should tune our responses to questions to help the questioner learn at a level they can absorb, not demonstrate our mastery of better techniques. These are not always the same thing.

Very well said!

I can relate to this, because as Perl novice I often find that some responses to questions that I have asked have gone completely over my head. And I'll also admit that I sometimes fall victim to the trap of trying to be too "clever" in response to a posted question. (heh.. although at my level of competence - tying to look clever almost inevitably makes me look downright dumb)