I'm happy we can share a degree of common ground. I would say that doubting "any connection" between the MT and original authors is quite a strong claim though, one that seems overstated to me. Not only would that substantively undercut linguistic methods for dating authorial texts, but it could also bring the entire text-critical enterprise (and probably other methods within the historical-critical toolbox) into question. In this regard, I would say I am generally more optimistic than you. Best wishes!
I'm happy we can share a degree of common ground. I would say that doubting "any connection" between the MT and original authors is quite a strong claim though, one that seems overstated to me. Not only would that substantively undercut linguistic methods for dating authorial texts, but it could also bring the entire text-critical enterprise (and probably other methods within the historical-critical toolbox) into question. In this regard, I would say I am generally more optimistic than you. Best wishes!