You know what would be helpful to us? If you wrote up a little summary (like some of us have) to post in your thread. That way we'll have the basics of your sitch without having to go back to earlier threads.
Speaking for myself, of course, I'm too lazy!
I'm not sure about your first question....what same old things is he doing? Do you get the sense he WANTS to make a NEW M, but just can't break out of some of the old ways?
As for the doubts....that's natural! Heck just TRY to find a thread here on piecing where there weren't/aren't any doubts and I'll give you...the MOON!
