I see you have been thoroughly chastised for the preceived "shortcomings" of the story everyone begged you for (lol).
Which proves you can't please everybody, so you wite your own story, being true to your vision (as I think you were) and let the opinions fall where they may.
I think you did an excellent job and I agree with most of your plot decisions in this story based on personal experiences that I won't bother to discuss.
And those I don't subscribe to are at least reasonable choices, and so "Bobs your uncle".
Well done, or, as we American Navy types would say, "Bravo Zulu".
Author's response
Heya daled.
Thanks. that particular story garnered me a few less than approving reviews, (Wait until you read THREESOME!) but as i like to say, even poor reviews tell me where my writing needs work.
I tried to keep the story as close to the first as possible, but a lot crept in. In the end, I was satisfied.
As one who's sent far too long in both the canoe club and uncle sam's misguided children, I'll see your 'Bravo Zulu' and raise you a 'sierra hotel'.
Alorkin