I've met the man, he's sharp and he's knowledgeable. Just because he doesn't run his mouth at oral argument doesn't mean he's "an idiot".
Look online for the recording of a talk and question-and-answer session he had with a group of high school students. He's very articulate and has some interesting things to say - one of the first questions is why he doesn't ask many questions at OA. He gives a thoughtful answer which may interest you -- I say may because it sounds like your mind is already made up.
You met Clarence Thomas? Well, I met Thomas Sowell, so there!
In other news, Bill got an improbably high PSAT score. We’re all still in shock. Probably not a National Merit Scholarship, but the Army ROTC recruiter is going to be climbing in throught dryer vent.