Bob was an incredible character. He wrote many songs, some good some bad ... I'm a Pink toothbrush, you're a Blue Toothbrush .. for example. I don't think he altered Halskammer's poem, Silver Darlings, but by giving it to put music to it justified a claim on it in Bob's eyes. As you say, he was an old Tin Pan Alley type but I question your statement 'he has dodgy contacts'.