Neil Faulkner wrote:
A slash interpretation isn't canon, but neither is an exclusively straight interpretation. Proofs are not required because the proofs aren't there. Either interpretation remains a speculation. At least if you make clear the basis for your speculation, one way or the other, you allow people to appreciate why you interpret it the way you do.
Actually, I all really want to say here is that I'm in fundamental agreement with pretty much everything you said in this entire post. Really.