RE: the grid and abstraction, there are actually times when I wish the grid would go totally abstract for a level or two. It would be a trip to see people just playing with color and shape and try to stay away from any representation whatsoever. I've tried pushing the grid in this direction a few times but sometimes I think people feel "safer" with recognizable images (myself included).

But in the end it's whatever you make of it; the grid is big enough to hold everyone's viewpoints. It goes on forever after all, right Uncle Ed?