Sam2: In theory you are correct. As someone who is privy to the inner workings of Artscroll, I can tell you with certainty that when they come out with a biography of someone, they will only print stories about that person that is historically true. My husband knew 2 Gedolim who are no longer alive who learned by the Chofetz Chaim and/or Rav Elchonon Wasserman, and were there ???? ????, and they in turn told their son’s the stories, or confirmed their veracity. In fact, when “The Vilna Gaon” came out years ago, I personally spoke to the author and asked if all the stories are factual. He replied, “I only print material that is verifiable through either Seforim on him, or stories that were handed down from his talmidim though today”. He continued, “If I were to write all the unverifiable stories, and legends, the book would have 3 times the pages”!
I will tell you a story that my father in law tells about the time in the late 1950’s when he learnt in Bais Medrash Elyon.
There was a friendly argument between the Litvishe and Chasidishe bochrim on which is the more choshuv aliya, ????? or ???. They decided to ask a grandson of the Chofetz Chaim who learned there which aliya his grandfather took. After much deliberation he said I think ?????. The Litvishe were estatic until one Chasidishe bochur asked; “Wasn’t your grandfather a ???”?
Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, and can believe what they wish. It’s not one of the Rambam’s ???? ??? ?????.
A ????? ?????? ????