Thanks m8!
Honestly, the overconfidence is a bit of a problem. It comes from turning a problem over and over a little obsessively, until I see how all the pieces (can) fit together. Then it becomes hard to see them fitting together any other way--until more pieces get added, that is.
I like complicated systems like this. I like them less so when they get political like this, but regardless of whether or not I like them, they're utterly fascinating.
I do hope someone will come along and tell me where I'm wrong in some of my assumptions, or perhaps point out some additional information that would force me to rethink the model I've come up with. I'd especially like to hear from someone involved in Ethereum's development, but I don't think they're too fond of me over in their subreddit these days :(
C'est la vie.
RE: On Proof-of-Work and "Consensus"