I think he needed a bigger playpen.
Ross likes attention. Recall that on many occasions he started, er, controversial discussions just to "stir the pot". That's fine, up to a point.
I also recall that he was talking about getting a scientific discussion board going here. I don't think anything came of that.
I think Ross just needed, or thought he needed, a bigger forum to get more out of it. He posted here a lot - 12639, still #3 on the list. (Plus, there are his other handles.) I think he came to view us as not providing enough of a challenge. That's fine - I know I wasn't. :-/
You may be right that he simply decided to take a breather from on-line discussions, too. I would certainly welcome him back, but wouldn't let fear of driving him off keep me from keeping me from arguing with him. He's a big boy who knows how things are.
FWIW.
Cheers,
Scott.
