FINALLY! Thank you for this. I have always believed that what we produce as writers should not be done to demean our audience. As a journalist years ago, we were encouraged to write to a sixth-grade level. What an insult to our readers.

As an aside, I taught sixth graders in writing and grammar as well, and the majority of them appreciated interacting with an adult who didn't speak down to them. They also appreciated expanding their writing abilities beyond a simple sentence; embracing the challenge to be better in written communication.

So I will continue to write and use all the tools needed to create interesting pieces; even if I use a semi-colon now and then.

Thanks for the inspiration.