Great post, Ian.
I once casually mentioned that I consider what we do on this forum as a kind of "sword free-association". This thread is a perfect example of this.
I also like Jim's playing card metaphor. I offered up the only observation I felt comfortable making. My "cards" if you will. By itself, that observation is useless. Factor in the other comments, and we may get somewhere. Maybe.
If not, I imagine someone will dig this thread up when more information comes to light. *shrug*