Wow. Fantastic insights. I love the real-life examples of authors who objected to their words being changed. (I also love your reference to such editing as "vandalizing" previous works!)

It's so interesting that you commented on the de-sanitization of foul language. I figure I'm just a dinosaur, but I abhor the "f-" word and choose not to read articles where that is included in the title or text. (My grandfather always used to tell me that only the people who didn't know any better words chose to curse!) I thought I was the only person in the world who objected to the lowering and debasing of the English language. And yes, it seems absurd that we'll take the word "fat" out of a manuscript, or a reference to a worm's skin color as "pink," but allow foul language in many contexts.

Thanks for taking time to read my piece and for writing such a thoughtful response!