[jfoster]

You don't seem to be distinguishing between the things he might be saying as part of his true views and the things he might be saying to achieve some type of goal, so I don't think your interpretation of his behaviour is accurate.

[mikeash]

I wouldn't know how to begin figuring out which ones are his true views.

[jmcdiesel]

Yet you assume they are negative...

[mikeash]

Where did I do that?