rdinak started an interesting thread here. I'm sure there are many reasons behind the myriad problems folks have experienced, ranging from lack of mechanical competence to lack of business skill to lack of integrity. One of the situations that is particularly perplexing is when someone with a well-established good reputation goes down hill, either putting out poor work or unreasonable delays. In two experiences that I did not mention in my posts I learned that the smith was having marital problems. Being human, gunsmiths can encounter life disrupting problems like everyone else. Alcohol or drugs can be a cause, and a big one that many people don't recognize or want to deal with is depression. This isn't the place to go into a lot of detail, but any time someone's behavioral patterns change without apparent reason, family and friends should encourage him to see a good doc and get checked out. Believe me, it can be the kindest thing you can do.
Paul
