What are the best verb tenses?

[Bhikkhu1991a]

Hello,

What are the best verb tenses that I should use in my following comment, please? I was told to make comments on an article by Mr. Alan Townend, but I still have doubts as to which verb tenses are most appropriate. Thank you.

Here is part of my comment:
I greatly admired the ways you had gathered all the points and wrote them so naturally. The article, “You're pulling my leg”, really described the reality of life. Not only had the pulling somebody’s leg and hoaxes happened in the old days, they also happened in the present days.

Best wishes,
Bhikkhu1991a.

[Alan]

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. Let me suggest:

I greatly admired the ways you GATHERED/COLLECTED all the points and wrote them so naturally. The article, “You're pulling my leg”, really described the reality of life. Not only DID pulling somebody’s leg and hoaxes HAPPEN in the old days, IT ALSO HAPPENS NOWADAYS.

Best wishes,

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Bhikkhu1991a]

Dear Mr. Alan Townend,