Wow… I feel like “substance over form” contradicts a core sovcit belief: That there are specific magic phrases and processes that must be executed precisely to be valid. The systems in place intentionally hide, obscuring, and otherwise make it as difficult as possible for the sovcit to perform the rituals correctly. But if they do, they will “win”.

Of course, leave it to a sovcit to find another contradictory concept to shove into the rest of their contradictory beliefs.

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Wow. I just want to say thank you for such a thoughtful, informed, detailed response. You are an amazing person!