Whether or not Phil did whatever course or training, does it matter?
If you followed aus.electronics over the decades you would know that
Phil has a lot of sometimes very specific and in general valuable
knowledge and is never too lazy to share it.
The fact that his "style" may often cause offense or even distress for
the unprepared is sad and undisputed. However, if one takes into account
his personality and decides to tolerate it, the overall balance is positive.
I am more likely to follow a thread where Phil is contributing, as I
might pick up some interesting information and get some amusement along
the way.
You won't change him, so why not stop picking on him?
Tony