Obviously, this is all what's going on in my mind rather than what's going on in John's mind, but I find that as interpretive frameworks go, it works really well for me.

I like that you make me think.

Glad to oblige. I should probably warn you that I really like John -- it doesn't stop me from wanting to beat him to death with an iron skillet at times, but I do find him a fascinating and sympathetic character.