Andrew,
Great little essay. Nicely put and I agree your analysis and viewpoint too. You'd find my last years essay did some interesting analysis of that, not to mention red & green (lined) reversible socks.
I hope you might read mine carefully this year as it does derive a new answer, but showing that exploring dynamic 3D geometry not mathematics leads to improved understanding.
You say above about not understanding many essays; 'I don't think that problem is our fault". I agree entirely with regard to nearly half the essays, however, do you agree that not understanding the universe MAY be our fault? - In other words, that we could do far better with some better directed effort? (I also suggest how in the essay).
best
Peter