Gerund as it functions as a subject of your sentence as well.
Richard isn’t a very bright man
No, because as you said it "does NOT contain fact-based details" therefore it is not reliable. If something doesn't contain fact-based details, it isn't reliable.
I think that you first write it and take it apart based by syllables, then you separate the “tricky” part (eg. most likely “gh” in “eighth”) and then you write it again. I’m just guessing though. I hope he is able to understand it.
