I read the revised edition of Simpson's book and I think I remember him
saying he was a bit "misguided" at first by the sixth.  I never read
the previous edition(s) but I recall that he sounded genuine in his new
analysis.  Then again, who knows for sure whether or not he had clandestine
motives.

One of the things I enjoy about the sixth is trying to make sense of it.
The previous five are all relatively transparent, although certainly not to
a degree that they lack depth or interest.  His last symphony is a bit of
a puzzle and each time I listen to it I come up with some new ideas.  And
as seemingly remote as it is from his first symphony it still "sounds" like
Nielsen.  I do agree, however, that you would not want to formulate an
opinion on Nielsen solely based on this work.  I'll also mention that this
symphony often reminds me of Charles Ives.  At one point in the fourth
movement it resembles one of the 3 places in New England.

Kyle Major
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