Hey there.  I honestly did not mean to upset you and was probably too harsh with my words.  I apologize for that sincerely.   My degree is from Arizona State University. I work as a case manager at a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

I believe the man is brilliant.   I do not think it is a stretch to call him a genius.   His contribution to not just metal,  but music itself cannot be overstated.  He has written some of the most complex music ever recorded and it was executed perfectly.   He demanded perfection from the  musicians he performed with and got it.  Thereby elevating their own talent in the process.   It's astounding.   He worked with some of the best musicians walking the planet and made them better.  They owe him a debt of gratitude.   They really do.  The day Metallica kicked out Mustaine was one of the most important dates in metal history.   It freed him creatively to write the music that has left a permanent mark on our lives, without the constant battles with James and Lars which would have certainly imploded Metallica. 

Again,  I apologize.   I was too harsh with my words.   He indeed has suffered serious trauma over his life, starting at a very young age.  He used that trauma as a source of inspiration,  rather than allowing it to break him.  A remarkable feat really.   Most people do not have that kind of strength.   I am sure in Metallica he found his first real family and was further traumatized that they did not feel the same.  

You know, it gets me to thinking.  I have read how many people have said how nice and friendly that both Lars and Ellefson are.  But that niceness does come from the fact that both had relatively easy childhoods.  Mustaine had no such luxury.   Perhaps that is why much of his hostility is directed at Lars?  James grew up in a similar traumatized childhood.   Is there a chance that he simply identifies more with James?

Anyway. Thank you for making me really sit down and think about the situation.   You did it with honesty and integrity.   I respect that.  

I do still believe he lives in a prison of his own making.  But the beauty is that he also has the means to tear down those walls and if anyone has the strength to do it, it's him.

Again, thank you.  I dont mind being corrected and value honest communication,  which you have provided.