Eric,
The greatest lesson in conformation any sensei could ever hope to teach is to know your own
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I hope I'm not speaking out of hand, but here are my thoughts.
IMHO Bob W has just given you an example of his Conformation (character). A well balanced mind of knowledge, tempered by wisdom and humility. His desire to "finish himself" well provokes him to give "patience" another season in his personal mud pond. A very good lesson to my way of thinking. We all need seasons in the mud along the way