You are right about FR. He is a legend in his own mind. I do not subscrcibe to his methods or his thinking. I was just quoting his "box" statement, which he contradicts in other threads. In fact his site is perhaps the most hostile reptile site on the net. The threads and responses are mostly from Frank worshipers and those new to Varanids are not welcome.

As for the outside, my intention was to have him out for a hour in 85f weather or so which turned into 5 minutes.

As for my monitors docility, I ramped up my basking area to 135-145f and the cool end is around 80 during the day. I was told by many keepers that my guy wouldn't be docile if kept at those temperatures. It didn't matter as he is still the same in terms of handling, docility and even seeking attention on occasion.
He does hiss and whip on occasion but it has become seldom. I pretty much let him tell me what I can or can't do on a given day and what he wants.
I am not anthropomorphizing here, I just enjoy the interaction.

Thank you for your feedback which was thoughtful and not hostile. Hell, I even learned something. Now I know why my cat Aspen was so pissed at me for a while.