Was the Buddha a Bhikkhu?

The author answers criticisms made of his reflections in Forty-Three Years Ago concerning the true value of the bhikkhu ordination, and asks some further searching questions: Is it possible that a bad monk might be a better Buddhist that a good one?; What does it really mean to venerate the robe?; How does the laity's reverence affect the spiritual health of a bhikkhu?; Do women need to resurrect the bhikkuni sangha in order to lead spiritual lives?