] Just a question I'd like to pose for general discussion: does John Thorpe conciously exaggerate his merits, or is he truly a legend in his own mind? Or is it a bit of both? Talk amongst yourselves.

I think it's a little of both. He exaggerates things to make himself look better, but I also think he honestly feels that he is one of the most wonderful men on earth (very misguided, of course). I can't offer any proof at this moment, these are just my thoughts.