Either it’s part of the manga or not. This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. At that point, you might as well put vivre cards, databooks, etc. in the same category and make it much more needlessly complicated and frustrating beyond that. If you doubt the material, then fine. If someone wants to take the material with a grain of salt, also fine.
That is the last time I will address this since I don’t want to further derail the thread. If anyone takes issue with my view on this and continues to be overly strict, overly limited, and overly picky with what they accept, then learn when to agree to disagree, especially when there’s nothing left to say, and I hope you receive less frustration/annoyance and more tranquility/happiness that way.
Keep in mind what Trip_LLL said:
"I agree with this perspective.
While precedent can be a good predictor, it doesn't predict 100% of the times, so keeping alternatives and keeping the most popular interpretation in mind is just worthwhile. Nothing wrong with an open mind."
If any of the rest of you are unable to accept that philosophy, then you will only make it harder for yourself, and that would be unfortunate. It doesn’t help anyone to keep fighting a losing battle, so I wish all the best. Thank you.