I believe that Mark Scott really was a conservative in the days before "Excelsior." Those of us who listened beginning in the early 80s (I think he did not come to WXYZ / WXYT until 1981) might agree that we watched (listened) his philosophy emerge over time. But, in the beginning, he espoused individual rights and constitutional conservatism (as I like it.) I do recall an interview (maybe it was a caller) with a libertarian about 1985 - and recall clearly that he was miffed by the ideas; I was a little surprised.
Am I right that Excelsior and / or "Mark Scott has left the building" were not part of the earliest shows?