Well, you seem like a thinker, Michael.. starting a thread like this :-)

I'd like to defend the 'explainers' position, at least as long as the song is still in process. I agree any time, that as far as finished song marketed to the public, no particular explaining or 'set up' should be necessary, allthough certain song require a little talk before they start and still works.

But as far as a song that is still in process, and if it is peers who are doing the critique'ing, everybody understands that songs most often come with an intention from the writer. Even if this intention is not relevant anymore when the song goes public, peers can assist and support the writer in his/her intention, ending up with more satisfaction doing songs.

I'd say, there is nothing as good for creativity as confident integrity, and peers could support each other by accepting to discuss how the writers intention with the song best can be achieved. This is also craft, I think, as songwriters most often are not the 'average audience', and it feel just as pretentious if they should act like they were, while talking with peers about songwriting.

Well, thats my dollar on this..