Re: Eric Jeffries
1. Yes. Eric knew he could be great if he set his mind to it, with his engineering skills if not his heroism. It helped that he had his parents to chase after - they were a little distant in a way, which made it harder to impress them. Self-doubt has never been a big problem for him.
2. He used to go smooth-faced and only grew the beard in California, as part of this rugged beach boy millionaire techie persona he cultivated. He went straight for full beard because goatees are disgusting (he only wears one with heavy stubble everywhere else).