I watched AHITW and Shells recently (I don't have the dvds - yet, but I taped the episodes when they first aired). I didn't have any clever thoughts, really, but I liked this post a lot. And I always come back to the_royal_anna when it comes to these episodes. She just has the most gorgeous post that leaves me impressed all over again every time I read it.

Actually about Wes/Fred, she has a very interesting point in her post on Lineage.

Anyway, to get back to your post... I really like your last point. I'd never thought about it like that before, but it makes perfect sense.