Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this.

always believed that Ted is closer to Brian than Michael would ever be with Brian.

I thought so too, especially after season 4 and 5. They have a much more adult friendship than what Brian shares with Michael. Not to say that Michael isn't important... he allows Brian's inner child to stay alive, at all ages, and that is a great thing. But I always felt s4-onwards Ted had a very grown up friendship with Brian.

Thanks for reading. :)