And have a query. Would it be acceptable to suggest alternative theories regarding PPC origins?

Wow.
Hm. I'm not sure whether to wish I had your problems, or point and laugh. Which is less likely to get me smote (smitten? o.O), I wonder?

...ohwait, that's right, you don't smite the unjust with lightning. Darn.

... Well pants. Time to find a new central figure for my theological beliefs then. Or go into denial. One of those I guess, heh.

Though really, hS, I think it's the sheer amount of stuff you churn out on a regular basis that has earned you the reputation of a minor deity--that and the fact that it's good stuff. The Permission-Giver part is sort of incidental.

But still, in the immortal words of Monty Python's God:

"Stop grovelling! And don't apologize! Every time I try to talk to someone, it's 'sorry' this and 'forgive me' that and 'I'm not worthy.' It's like those miserable psalms--they're so depressing. Now, knock it off!"

~Neshomeh

Still, can we really say it's a BAD thing for Permission Givers to be offered so much (almost-)unconditional respect? We defer to you guys, and give you the authority/support to take charge when things get out of hand.

But still, I'm glad to be rid of the bowing and scraping. *brushes dirt and Sharp Stones* from her knees*

;p

Drat. They were a hassle to get, too, this time of year, no mistake, I swear, those Dwarves get pushier every time I see them, oh, it's "We need to be paid in gold, not pink blood, I don't care how sparkly it is," and "But that kind of rock doesn't exist, you've got the wrong universe," and "That's physically impossible, ma'am," all the way.

Are you sure there aren't any deities around? Maybe a shrine to Makes-Things, or something? Hey! If we raise a shrine to the SO, there might be a pay raise in it! *Of course, the agents rush off, despite the almost complete impossibility of a pay raise of any kind*

Duly noted, hS.

People become confused by his godlike attractiveness, and next thing you know they're sacrificing goats and singing hymns to his glory . . .

. . . what?

Well, maybe it is just me, then. :P

But yes. The Board has traditionally been a pure democracy (or possibly a flat-out anarchy. It's all in your perspective)--and while PGs can and should participate, and usually their opinions are well-informed, since they've been around so long, their opinions don't overrule other people's.

Also, Permission isn't actually a difficult hoop to jump through, or shouldn't be. PGs are mostly there to make sure that incoming authors 1) can spell (or spellcheck), and 2) don't write Sueish agents. Noble causes, I'm sure we all agree.