FReepers said at the time he just needed publicity for a book; I tend to believe them.
It would have made a difference if he switched; it tells me a lot that he didn’t. Being close to retirement simply means he would face no consequences if he HAD switched.
I specifically asked you in a nice way to please not tell me anything bad about Zell! Can’t you leave an old man one illusion to cherish? I probably won’t live more than another twenty years or so. That is if any of us live that long with all the crap that is going on now.