I was about to suggest that the maths desk is a rarified enviroment, and that it lacks a sufficiently large "ecosystem" to prevent cabin fever breaking out.. A corollary of that was that I went to look to see if MeniRosenfeld was still on the desks - but what horror you've fallen out with him too.. How the fuck did you manage that? MeniRosenfeld is the nicest person I've never met. Anyway don't take that as an insult, but as confirmation of my cabin fever theory.
I think the maths desk might benefit from a few 'semi-competent idiots' amongst all the brains - I've been 'shot at' by MichaelHardy for perceived errors on that desk the last time I was there - it could end becoming a sort of gentlemen's club - invitation only .. which doesn't really match it's purpose. I've had issues with my perception of people 'demonstrating their superiority' rather than 'actual trying to help the questioner' in the past - though that is my purely subjective view.end of essay83.100.251.196