This seems to be one of the more important lessons from Japanese storytelling, in particular. Not just two sides to a story, but oftentimes 3+. Is there a proper word for that-- the effect of Roshamon, & c.?

This is generational. We said "fuck art, let's kill," and too many people took it literally. Your FA/FO? Much smarter.

Just because a thing is "subversive" does not make it good. Based on my experience, the people who get hurt worst by the disruption & sabotage of government are not the oligarchs who run the world, but old people who are living in subsidized housing.

I think what you are saying here applies to absolutely everything.

But what if it's a Chagall? Or... Noguchi?

I believe they're using "rice" as a verb. I'd say "stupid America," but the Greeks did the same thing with Orzo.

How many of them ate carrots first, tho'?

I have a friend who is obsessed with "productivity" in games. Games where absolutely nothing is produced, unless you count pollution from power facilities (Philly, so-- Coal). I agree with you-- do laundry.

Spent 2hrs. deconstructing Chekov's Gun yesterday for the satisfaction of doing so. Totally agree with you, though I've become fascinated with the foundations of many rules-- the motivations behind them, and potential outcome of people having adhered to them.

Versus Pitfall? Indeed.