Yeah, I read it but I took it to mean either Brooks was trying to show all the rumors that are out there or else he thinks someone is lying about not doing a story. It is a confusing read, though.
Beats me. But you are right. They wasted a whole binch of ink to get to where they ended up. Was it all for nought, or making a bigger point, on how these things get traction. If it turns out to be "about nothing" they took a big risk that most readers would not make it all the way to the bottom. Feel me?