Good on you for seeing exactly what he is trying to do to you. Yep, he is trying to put you in your place - wherever that may be .

AAAhhhhhhggghhh - how to deal with stupid passive-aggressives ? Actually you are doing a pretty decent job already though I know its tiring. Don't bother sending him the email because then he'll know that you have faffed around trying to find the info because his stupid comment and useless information from his GF put you off guard. Same with the 'claws out' txt. Don't respond to that type of thing at ALL. You are going to have to be teflon about these comments for awhile, and he is going to get worse to get you to respond.

back later gotta go buy paint....