...

Ack! I shall defend my Oak Leaves (actually, was never awarded any despite thinking Gan's a slendid chap and arguing that Avon teaching

him

...

about computers shows that snarky comments aside, the Snarly One

thought

...

Gan showed potential as a student)

There was a scene in an early episode where Avon shows him a thing or two about computers, but there are also quite a number of times where Avon clearly demonstrates his contempt for Gan's intelligence. For example: When they are looking for Orac in Shadow,Gan tells the crew that he even called out Orac's name. Avon replies, "That requires a degree of stupidity that no amount of training could match."

What part of "Snarky comments aside" was unclear? I *am* aware of the oft quoted insults-- but then, Avon has insulted the intelligence of all of them at various times. Perhaps you beliueve that Avon's words always reveal true, deeply held convictions-- I prefer to scrutinize his actions.

As for the dangerousness of Gan vs. Doran, I definitely did not make it clear that I meant that I thought the Federation was jumping to erroneous conclusions when they thought Gan was more dangerous than Doran to them. Also, almost everything mentioned (encouraging Vila to assualt Servalan, shooting guards) happens after the initial arrest. They apparently didn't realize what a beast he was. Or 2 other possibilities: during the big war, they lost a lot of surgeons and don't have anyone to spare to do the implants; alternately, he would have gotten the implant if he hadn't been diverted from surgery by the rogue group who were trying to build their own army. Obviously a man who could not kill would not suit them.

In response to this:

...

mad on at half the species, but he's also basically a coward and

won't

...

be attacking women with rank and status.

I haven't got this episode on video and I haven't see it in years, so please excuse me if I'm getting this wrong, but I don't remember Doran being intimidated by women with rank and status, he even tries to encourage Vila to rape Servalan.

I need to clarify again... with current rank and status, which, we have seen in the past, means the woman usually has an armed escort. I meant he has physical cowardice and wouldn't risk being killed attacking, when there are so many unprotected women amid the lower ranks.