I have to take him in measured doses. I had the experience of meeting him once, years ago when he was infamous for his temper. My kids were with me. My son in a cubscout uniform, and my daughter was just her cute self. HE lost his temper at some poor guy sho just wanted a photo, but took it without his permission. When we got up to him, he praised my son for being a scout. It turns out he was one (scary thought, lol). And then he said something half-ass silly to my daughter, and she teased him to his face. The whole room went quiet. Then Ellison started laughing, picked her up and gave her a hug. It was totally unexpected, and made me able to try and give his stuff another look. He has been a BIG mentor to a lot writers over the years. That may be why he is held in such high regard.
Ed