I'm several degrees along that way... that is: It takes quite a lot for me to start believing "X" is possible, (whatever).

Without claiming to be truly 'open minded' I WILL listen to most anyone espousing a 'way out there' theory.

I'm most.. guess the word would be 'lenient'?, in regards to anything space, or outer space, related. Like you, lot of kid in me... and there are many things I'd like, or want, to be 'true'... like UFO's. While I do not believe in UFO's I also hope we keep pursuing the topic and "IN FACT" believe doing so, (even if it all comes to naught), is healthy for mankind.

As for Bob Lazar specifically... I had heard of him, (can't really remember how or when). I can't say I believe him, (I don't), but I lean toward believing that HE truly believes in what he's saying. IOW... I don't think he's trying to pull a fast one to simply gain fame or financial reward. I'd definitely like to sit down with him, over a beer or two, and spend an evening in conversation.

Sidenote: My wife truly believes she saw a UFO. This was back in the 70's.... I actually remember the occurrence... she called me outside and I obeyed... and watched what she was telling me was a UFO.... the problem was - I had just finished celebrating the end of harvest with some friends and in those days that meant imbibing, and imbibing heavily. I was blitzed. Here's what I remember about it.... and keep in mind, my condition would have easily allowed for seeing pink elephants:

Something flew over the house.... very low altitude and here's what caught my attention most - no sound, at all. I also remember 'seeing', or thought I saw, intricate detail of the 'plane' that, wellll, best way to describe it is to think of the intricate design of the space ships in the Star Wars movies... IOW... no smooth surfaces.

We live near Lemoore Naval Air Station and flights, at low altitude, are quite common here. I can remember seeing the B1 Bomber flying overhead and this before it was even confirmed that there WAS a B1 Bomber. So my final assessment of my wife's UFO was - a plane out of Lemoore. My wife does not accept that.