They learn some of the obvious mistakes and they learn a few more buzzwords and just enough about concepts entirely above their heads to successfully fake it for an opening post.
I agree, the flounces are all part of Tim reading through the threads, going away, finding out some more information and then coming back with the 'how about this then, this fits?' It is a common tactic, and he used to maximum advantage. The other tactic he tried was simply ignoring posters.
The problem with this for Tim, there is always someone here at the board who can dissect his inconsistencies, such as quoting averages taken from the Apollo mission to give ranges for GCR dose, and by ignoring posters he eventually trips himself up for someone else to pounce on his misunderstandings.
What a colossal farting waste of time.
In the main for those that have required knowledge, yes. Not entirely for me, I've learned some new concepts and ideas as I went away and read new, materiel and read posts from others. It has clarified my understanding of the TLI orbit. I've thought about better ways of challenging the poster and the argument that way I question. There are some old hands here, and it is great to learn.