Sam2: I take my black hat off to you! You have brilliantly encapsulated what is the actual dfifferences between Rav Slifkin and his opponents. There are certainly more than just one way to look at “divrei chazal”, especially on “aggadata”. I did not read Rav Meisleman’s sefer but I have followed the debate on Slifkin’s website and Rabbi Slifkin has some cogent reasons to defend himelf.. methinks he is conducting too strong a vendetta but then, he was vlilifed to such a point that I don’t blame him for reacting so brusquely.
Ben Levi: I have a very different understanding of the Rambam than you have. I’ll try to point it out tomorrow ! for now, I appreciate your intelligent words.