Don Firth, you are the best at explaining things clearly, concisely, and elegantly.

The stuff that Don is explaining is basic and essential information; the better you understand it, the better you are able to use it, and the better a musician and performer you can be. Read and learn!

That a music question with a such a simple answer should descend into protracted posturing and petty bickering reflects poorly on the nature of this allegedly musical community.