"Morals of the story:
1.  Powerful people can be educated.
2.  Persistence pays off.
3.  Lobby  where you can for support {it  wasn't just my letters, it was the
people that agreed with them that made the difference}
4.  Know your research and how to access it for references.
5.  Remain cordial at all times  [compose yourself -THEN compose the letter]
6.  Have  a personal resource - like Lactnet -  of  people who believe in
what you believe in for moral support."

May I add:

7. recruit Gail to write the letters!

Rob

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