I don't want to launch into R talks at all...but we haven't talked in a long time. So going to suggest getting together....even at the risk of being rejected....
I realize there is a lot I need to work on. But it is so hard when you have little contact.
Why do you think that pursuing him now is a good idea?
General rule is to let him control the contact.
If he is in MLC there is no way that you can TALK him out of it.
What is it that you need to work on that includes contact with him?