Such a good read, Christopher. but it's not how my poor little brain works. Maybe that means I waste a lot of time. Maybe!

Each of us approaches a piece differently, and hopefully skirts that altar of also-rans you speak of.

Talking of also-rans, I have turned that expression around in teaching. Also rans I used to tell my students, participated and did their best. That's what many of us endeavour to do here.

This is a respectful response, by the way. I do appreciate what you have suggested.