Nice summary and good observations.

Can't agree enough with that Buddhist tenet of ?find out for yourself, choose your path based on what you discover...

Although Hess was clearly circling and searching he manages to to point out some solid, time tested approaches. Good things to consider.

I too read his book. Hate to say, way back in 68 or so. For us, even then, the book was an eye opener. Yes I reread it more recently, strangely enough even that was long ago now too...

Good work