Great story! Actually made me laugh out loud.
People can have odd ideas about when is a good time for a compliment.
While it's never happened to me in a such a situtation as that, it has happened while in front of another person whose feelings might be hurt because they are not also recieving praise. I hate that! Instead of just being able to accept the compliment, I feel all squirmy. Sigh...
I love your deck, too! And I will eagerly look forward to its release.
Wonderful job!