I'm overwhelmed by the responses I'm getting. I sincerely appreciate everyone who has taken time to comment.
So true Aksleddriver. I think some of the younger guys don't see things from the perspective you describe.
A lot of the PMs I have been getting share the same sentiment. The overwhelming majority of PMs are from older guys giving me encouragement some of whom are advising me to ignore what I read at this forum. Go figure.
I hope other guys like me can benefit from this thread.