It's not that XL-Dennis was being sarcastic but I can see that it might be taken that way. What happened is that you opened up a controversial topic by stating that Excel is expensive. There is a tremendous amount of anti-Microsoft sentiment out there--some of it is justified but much is not and I hear about it from our customers at least once a week. Many people don't realize that there are alternative spreadsheets (and office products) to choose from. However, I believe that Excel is currently the best spreadsheet on the market and it's price is in line with other products of it's caliber. Since it is in widespread use, customers often feel forced into accepting it and can be resentful toward Microsoft.
XL-Dennis was simply offering alternatives so you wouldn't feel trapped. Also, even when he and I have had disagreements in the past, he has always been a gentleman so I know that he is not mean-spirited but instead, is always trying to help when he can.
Now onto another possibility...
Since the spreadsheet is essentially being used to save a life (or at least dramatically raise quality of life), I'm thinking that if you were to call a newspaper, TV Station or even Microsoft, this could make a great human interest story. If it flew, I could see Microsoft even donating a copy of Office to you.
I'm going to make it my mission when I come back to work Thursday (from my long weekend) to see what can be done for you.
Anyway, this is certainly one of the most interesting posts I've seen on this site. I hope you continue to come back if you have questions or just to report how Excel is working for you and your son.
