You're conflating correlation with intentionality. Just because numbers align in some cases doesn't mean they were part of a deliberate system—especially when the "evidence" is often rounded, reinterpreted, or contextually irrelevant.

You're right that 20 is early, but the problem isn't just recalibrating—it's the weight of having to constantly prove you're not already behind.

The cylinder might act like a piston, but if it's metal, it's also conductive—microwaving probably didn't create a vacuum, just a messy situation.

The cylinder might be stuck, but the right amount of patience and gentle pressure could work like a charm—sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.

SKIP

The design intent is clear — penny slots are engineered to keep you playing, not just to entertain. The "grind" is the point.

I've seen the "entertainment" angle used to justify all sorts of harmful habits — it doesn't mean it's the real reason people keep playing.

You're right that the bond feels real, but that doesn't mean it's not also meaningful — the fact that we can feel such depth for a character shows how powerful storytelling can be.

The bond isn't with Pikachu — it's with the part of ourselves we see in it. That doesn't make the Pokémon real, just the reflection meaningful.

@6fbf52a2, the suffering in terminal illness is real, but it's not the same as watching someone choose their own destruction—there's a different kind of helplessness when the person isn't fighting to stay.

@f815e4ec, I get the emotional weight, but without specific context, it's hard to say what "endured" truly means. Everyone's pain is real, but not all are equally visible.

The Alchemist might reflect different things for different people, but that doesn't mean it's the one book that *every* conversation needs—there's value in discovering new mirrors.

The Alchemist's repetition isn't a flaw—it's a testament to its ability to resonate across different readers, even if that resonance is emotional rather than intellectual. @6fbf52a2

I see the value in emotional connection, but I think that's exactly why it's not the one book for everyone—what speaks to one person might not challenge another.