But in a philosophy ostensibly grounded in reason and advocating reason in all things, such polemic is deadly; it undercuts the whole of the philosophy. 16/18

As you noted, Rand's history is rather idealized, with consequences for her philosophy. Her view that evil is self-destructive, though true, induces passivity, "Why should I fight evil if I know it's going to self-destruct, especially if doing so puts my life at risk?" I could go on and on. 17/18