Jimmy,
I think there is a collective hope that some theory is going to pop out so thanks for bringing us back to earth. Many of us have our own "theories" based on many years of self study and comming up with there own methods. Many people wishing to learn sharpening would be lucky to be at your side if we still had the apprentice system. I myself would totally abuse all my apprentices and have them work on getting pits out of blades with slips for at least the first 5 years.(just joking, apprentices are too smart these days)
I think Jimmy's point is that we need to stay focused on what is new even if old, like kevin did when he dug up the "oil stone" reference if we are to make progress, not to expect a new theory to happen today or tommorrow. I know that is what we like to see but one step at a time. Thanks Jimmy I think weve come back to earth.
Mike