I agree, I've never met him either so I must temper my thoughts with that. It's just what I've seen on his opinions on other riders and him talking himself up.
However, I agree that he is\was (not riding anymore) an extremelely focussed and talented rider. I don't agree that Ducati wouldn't be in the same place though, they easily had the most dominant bike and there were plenty queueing up to ride it and there were world championships that went to Ducati without his name on them while he was still riding - Corser for one. They would have done just fine IMO.
He seems to be doing well though, it was a good weekend for Foggy Petronas and good to see Corser back on the podium and the stalker doing well - I like his style ...
TP