Comparing Rossi to Thomas Edison...That puts Rossi in some very rare company.Just because Edison was eccentric doesn't mean everyone who acts eccentrically is another Edison.
In particular, Edison has been a perfect excuse for con men who can't otherwise explain their behavior. As you noted, Rossi could clear things up any time he wants to, but he refuses to do so. The notion that he is somehow being a shrewd businessman by making himself look like a con man is ridiculous.
He is following the exact same script as every other "free energy" con man in history (going back at least to the 1880s, that I've found). Here are some of my favorite examples. Read them and you'll be amazed at how much their scams look like what Rossi is doing!
I have read most of these (thank you). I personally consider Rossi to be a (repeat) scam artist.
His actions are those of a scammer, not of a scientist or engineer.
I would not put him in the class of Thomas Edison. If all this turns out to be genuine - then and only then.