Actually Gerry, one of John's flaws is that he, like a number of journalists, will suspend his normally nice and consequent nature in the interests of getting accolades for his journalism. A streak of ruthless ambition  perhaps? And that is probably why he had no regard for Tom, as he has had no regard for shopping the exes who helped him.

Indeed a complex character. As I say he also has many fine strengths.

Oh to see oneself as others see one. I have to laugh because I did one of those profiling things recently used by companies to check out people.

It took an effort to have the required humility to look in the mirror at my own traits. So much easier to be objective about other people's weaknesses!!