I admit I don't know the truth, and find the tales interesting. I also watched Stargate SG1 early seasons to see if there might be some disclosure in there.
The 'view' I was speaking of supporting was, if memory serves, Bill's take on what Basiagio knows or believes, finding him being sincere and (Basiagio) believing what he says but not necessarily speaking truth. That's my recollection of Bill's response, in any case.