This is a fabulous anecdote. I completely understand why you chose not to say anything. Given how important Spielberg's films were in my childhood (E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was nothing less than a Damascene conversion to cinema), I doubt I could have said anything meaningful other than gushing thanks.

When he was shooting War Horse a stone's throw from where I live in southwest England, I was tempted (several people I know bumped into him in shops and other places in the area) but I decided not to bother him. I only ever want to meet him if he's interested in adapting one of my novels.

Anyway, great article. :)