Thanks for the input, I'm really sorry to hear about your hand though!

I've always counted my blessings to have a monitor like Miles, I keep him to SavannahMonitor.org standards with a big enclosure (he's got a half room almost, 8x10x5 ft.) lots of substrate, low sturdy branches, hides, big tub for swimming, proper diet, two basking spots (one at 135 and the other at 160-165, I never lower his temps to "make him act more docile"). All in all I've always treated him like a monitor, I've just gotten lucky that my little rescue monitor was born with a mellow, laid-back disposition.