Happy HiveCakeDay, @alexvan !
Nine years, it is a impressive milestone. I see in your example, someone who doesn't throw away the towel. That is one thing that I try to make it on an daily basis. I must confess that is not comfortable at all... but the gains that we get from that procedure are far more advantageous then is possible to see in the moment.
I had the luck to meet you in person on one of those two Hive celebrations that you attend :)
Congratulations, my friend!