Xanthe -- whether or not you delete this comment, I'm glad I got your perspective on some things. (I doubt I would be able to keep out of a conversation this intense about my own works.)

I do think I overstated my case a little in the comment that you responded to and said some things I probably don't *entirely* mean, and because of that I especially appreciate the even-handedness of your response.

If there's some way we could continue this conversation elsewhere, I'd like to, unless you're tired of discussing it at this point. :)