In Formal letter^x, Past perfect^x

Good Time of Day! Well, I just read the list of members online and found this: -- In the past 3 days, the most popular thread for everyone has been "Sample of formal letter writing". The post with the most views is "Live chat room". The most replies _were_ made...

Kooyeen wrote: I was told to use the present or past perfect in those situations, but I often find the present continuous (even in newspapers). Kim O'Donnel: This is the first time I'm hearing a negative report. He is surprised. And he says that hearing reports is happening...

Morning, Non Con-- 'Better'? I would probably use the past perfect here if I were writing a thesis, a careful formal letter, or a piece of literature (and I think I would be overconservative in doing so). What would I say if I were talking about my wierd friend, Jack? 'Jack sang in the park...