Actually, I appreciate advice or opinion contrary to what I wrote. I don’t believe in rules, and feel that we all must develop our own writer’s voice. Personally, I find repetitive “saids” to be boring, but I would agree 100% that seeing an “asseverated” would quite often throw off the momentum. There’s context to be considered, of course. I do see your points, though! Anyway, thanks for the response! :-)