My views are simply based on Max's own public statements.

If it was not his intention to open our forum for the the public's contributions - I think we can all safely accept that he would not have done so.

And if he wished to now exclude the public or impose further restrictions to posting - on the lines that the Chief of the Mudcat Editing Team has formally proposed - I am sure he would have given some indication of that intention.............

I am sure that Max does need me or anyone else to speak for him.