No, I am not offended in the slightest.
And - yes - I read the whole post.
I regret that you have the data limit to contend with. I do understand that.
The main reason for the video links is simply that I believe the visual effects add so much more to an explanation for a better understanding than does what I could put into words as a strictly textual answer.
And, it takes me a while to one-finger type my posts on this dang phone - especially since I have to constantly "fight" the software to get it typed. (
This is what I have to contend with. And, it can get
really frustrating.)
I desparately desire to get back on a "real" computer. (having keyboard, trackball, and full-size screen)
It has been said that most people (by far and large) would rather watch a video than read text. So, that is a second reason.
In other words, I really am trying to give you (and others) a better answer.
I actually spent 2-3 hours trying to find a good video that explained the eclipse in a FE model. I discovered that there are not that many out there. Those two videos are the best I could come up with.
For a third reason - you nailed it - I grow weary of writing long explanations that seem to only draw remarks from the hecklers and no encouragement from any who might agree. Not always, perhaps. But, as a whole - not nearly enough 'positive' feedback to make it worth it.
The absolute majority of people have no overly-severe data limits. And, for them, there is an abundance of FE videos on the internet they can watch to learn about the FE model.
I guess the 'eclipse' thing might be an exception. haha
Perhaps there are some good textual explanations out there too.
I can recommend this site:
http://www.testingtheglobe.com/
~
I thought both videos "made their point" quite well.
The first video illustrated how that it is impossible on a ball earth for the 2017 eclipse across-the-USA moon shadow to go from west to east.
The second video illustrated (albeit in a somewhat crude fashion) how an eclipse would work on the FE model.