There was some use to this argument, I wanted to establish some things for sure, before making my next post. At least I know my own complaints weren't in vain.

As for the shield? Well it wasn't right in front of Iolanthe at the beginning, was it? That's all that was necessary to make that last post of hers viable. As for the current... you shouldn't assume she'd just sit there and hold it in front of her face the whole time, while sitting in place. Fluidity of movements is important!

Ahhh, to quote yourself when you know you were being nice, but never the parts where you were mean and condescending. Solid tactic! I'd use it myself, if I wasn't so comfortable being a total bitch when mutual respect demanded it of me.