1) I know parts of Flip's situation better than the Detroit media did (or was willing/allowed to report on anyway), yes. Once he reached free agency, Flip was never going to re-sign with Detroit, and Babcock was the main reason. His contract negotiations with Detroit were likely for no other reason than to maximize what he could get from another team. Which is what a good agent will do for a player in that situation.
2) I don't know frequent instances where players didn't want to come to Detroit because of Babcock, no. I never stated that.
3) I have more insight into certain parts of Babcock's personality than you do, or most people on this board, yes. I was fortunate enough to have connections that revealed to me some things the media did not report on, or even ever know about. Cheli's comments are in line with what I know. I guess Babock is not who you thought he was
4) Because of #3, I have a strong sense of how Babcock compares to other coaches, yes. I had connections during Bowman's and Lewis's time as well, so I can directly compare some things with those two. I also know Red Berenson as a coach very well.... more comparisons, albeit at different levels.
My now-wife started working with the Wings about 15 years ago. She worked 40 feet from Scotty Bowman everyday her first year there. Her Bowman stories are numerous, that man is a gem. Through her I got to know many people with the Wings (including Mr. I's grandson and Dave Lewis's daughter), several of whom are friends to this day. All but a couple have since left the Wings, and the couple still there I have lost touch with. I had a good window into the organization for many years though. But since what I know doesn't jive with this narrative you've created for yourself, please do continue to disregard it, Mr. Smarmy. It would indeed be shamefully boring if we all agreed on everything around here