[grey_whiskers]

That is true - that's why I keep using the word consilience over and over again here; consilience between separate lines of data is essential when looking at information concerning the distant past, and why any science theory can only be considered as good as the consistency of its models and the veracity of its predictions.

Great post.

Sorry for missing it the first time around.

Shall we shake hands and have a virtual beer on the strength of it?

...and believe me when I say, "Cheers!"

[Quark2005]

Shall we shake hands and have a virtual beer on the strength of it?

Absolutely - much appreciated - good to have a polite discussion around here once in a while.