I like Matthew and if he is gone from Mudcat, I will miss him. But I actually am glad to see that he is moving on to "real" people. That is where he belongs. He owes a lot to some of the people here and the Matthew I know appreciates it. That applies to any of you who risked hurting his feelings or bringing down the wrath of the 'Cat by pulling him up short when he got out of line.
Kendall, the more Matt fights you, the more he shows his need to have your respect.
Jon, you're right. He crossed the line more than once. I remember a young man whose anger took the form of destroying instruments or tossing them in the sea. Matt needs to show it differently. Neither is appropriate. Please don't take this as criticism. I agree with your take on the "shite" crack - it was unnecessarily cruel. My point is that young men use anger against the things and people they love most.
Clinton, I would love to hear SandyToes' take on this. She's put up with a "touchy" artist for years.
Spaw, I believe you've got it right. Sometimes the only way a young man can walk away from security and take the next step is to turn on those he loves most and declare his independence. Mine came back three years later and was astonished to find his family waiting for him with open arms. Matt isn't gone for good.