Yes I am Catholic. I did observe an Orthodox Mass (they don't call it a 'Mass'). It confirmed for me that a proper Mass still exists. I don't know why the Catholic Church couldn't hold on to the Mass..
not sure what you mean, there is still the TLM held onto by SSPX, independants, Sedes and the Eastern Catholic rites-their DL is ancient with few add-ons (except for prayer for Pope and "travel by sea, air, land" comment, obviosly not a n isuses -air travel-in odler days)
As far as propr mass, orthodox are viewed to have true orders and valid Apostaolic line and sacrements are still valid (ie, bread/wine does indeed become Body,etc)...that said, though, schismatics are still schismatics.....unless necessity demands-travel and cannot get to a Catholic Mass or pending death, we really cannot particpate in their Liturgies......
heard the story that a Orthodox bishop convereted to RC and went to Rome to look into possible Catholic priesthood, was told by a panicked Vaticanista official that he should stay Orthodox and not disrupt "ecuмenism"....story told to Fr. McLucas by a Greek Orthodox clergyman,I hear....
they rejected Papcy centuries ago, so no, not "not outlandish" at all......as no one can call a full, binding ecuмenical council in their ranks, they have no firm teaching on contraception, remarriage,etc...some allow, some do not, etc...they are increasingly divided.
You seem to imply that the split is the Catholic CHurches fault alone (filoque statements)....is it??
your comments in Pius IX as dubious,doubting infallibility,etc sound more like Classicom and CM, and are not Catholic at all....sorry, no matter what you think of your self, it is not!!! Yesm he had faith in Popes, as true Popes are infallible in a defiend and narrow way.....he trusted Mt16, dont you?? and hte Holy Ghost's guidance-dont you???
so, in short, the Church did hold onto Mass, often underground and in homes, etc......Leisa MO is to blame the Church....sounds to me like she IS Orthodox, if not in name or official practice....yet.........