I think you're right on all counts, guys.
He is definitely yearning for a Tribute. He loved the feel and play of it. Nonetheless, though he found the Skylark less sexy to look at, he also loved its sound. When I was taking pictures at Alembic with my new camera, I discovered the camera has a video function completely by accident. I have a short clip of him playing the Skylark, with Susan and Mica in the background, discussing the possibility of a 2 pickup Tribute. He keeps playing and replaying the clip for his friends. Hmm.....
Actually, my wife is starting my 10 year old son Alex on drum lessons next week. He is already pretty sharp musically between a year of piano and exposure to his brother's musicianship. Hmm.....