[sounddust]

Sorry for responding so late, but I just wanted to say that you're correct on all points above about my learning experience, including (and i'm reluctant to admit this) - the fear of sounding like an idiot (although I got rid of this quickly after actually moving to France, because you don't have a choice).

[pradocchia]

Unexpected (?) but very interesting. I've poo-poo'd some of the points you've just affirmed, perhaps from selective memory, so the anecdotal evidence is welcome.

I was also scared of sounding like a fool, and need privacy to practice.