Fascinating link, eta! As you know, I love that episode. How on earth the writers ever thought up a culture that communicates by metaphor, I don't know.

When confronted with metaphors, I am at my happiest. But what if they are not confrontational metaphors? What if they merely present themselves meekly?

I find metaphors appealing, as long as I don't have to take time to figure out what is meant. 'An ocean of happiness' gives a much clearer, and more enjoyable, sense than does, for ex., 'very happy'.