I'm new here, so bear with me....I read your post, and was nodding my head in agreement on every point. I had high hopes for Fiona, but she's proven herself to be easily led. Regardless of how I felt about Don's ritual, it was impolite of her to be giggling. I understand people often giggle as a reaction to things they can't handle but it was rude. She would have been offended, had it been her ritual and Don doing the giggling.
Don is the weak one, IMHO. I find him annoying, most of the time. I, too, have known people like him, and find myself rolling my eyes at alot of what he says.
I really like Art and Avocado, and would have no trouble spending time with either of them. They appear to be real, genuine, and have minds of their own. So far, I have great regard for both of them. I have witnessed similar rituals to theirs and found Art's to be the most moving so far of all the Alts.
Ta'Shia's world is the only one I know little about, and I think it would be fascinating to learn more. She, too, seems genuine and her concern over Eric's drinking and Noel taking cold medicine to sleep impressed me.