I think all sorts of conclusions are possible LH.

The one I favour, taking on the New York Times report and Fiona's memory, and later reporsts and pparenly actions, is that the probably was a time when YI was rather extreme but he has probably "mellowed" considerably since. It's surely quite possible (and forgivable IMO) for that to happen with a person, especially when they have not long "seen the light" but it doesn't make a lot of sense in relation to his explainations.

It's all very muddy though and from what I've read, I'd neither like to say YI has always been "sinner" or "saint" in relation to the isues raised here.