Very enjoyable and honest review. However, I think the lack of jamming prevents a lot of people from appreciating other kinds of themes and flow in a set.

You considered Prince Caspian> Waves> Joy> The Wedge "thematically unconnected songs" but I don't see that at all. They connect in a distinctly Phishy way to me, especially lyrically. Sure, the segues weren't nailed, nor the jams drawn out, and it probably isn't the best fit for middle of set 2 for lots of people, but it definitely gives me the flow of extended meaning that I like to find in Phish's music.