Maybe we both just like to keep the argument going, John? ;-)

I've noticed that people, once they launch any argument, generally remain fiercely loyal to it until the waves are lapping over the gunwales and it's experiencing at least a 75 degree list. They may even choose to go down with the ship!

I've said that the captain may have been imprudent. But I don't know. You don't either. We never will know. The best we can go on is what the German survivors have recounted about the incident.

So why are we bothering to argue about it?

And what prize would you or I get if we "won"?

Why not just agree that we don't know for sure and leave it at that?