I had thought of that possibility and decided to go with the happier option. I also don’t want to think too hard about the entire probable series of events. Surface level is sad enough

Not technically alone but if he had advanced enough in the disease, he would probably not notice that anything has happened…

What I’d like to become the standard is:

If the question makes it super obvious the asker has zero clue what they’re asking or trying to do, lightly correct and steer them to beginner friendly resources.

If the question is competent but focusing the wrong direction or will lead to a bad habit, essentially, they know just enough to be dangerous but they’re about to be dangerous, more pointed and technical correction and steering them to either articles or better search terms to use.

If it’s a pointed question with the information to show they’ve done the normal information gathering and either need opinions that are beyond the theory or book standard information or they don’t answer the question, answer the question. Ideally also giving sources to back up your answers.

Bonus points if you can do the above without coming across as a dick. Unless they ask to ask. You can be a dick to those people.