Replying to OP
The recent FileMaker Context Podcast by Jeremy Brown at Proof Geist with Andy LeCates as guest addresses many of the original questions. Does Claris Listen? He says they do. Do Claris read the "Ideas" forum: he says Rick Kalman reads every one.
Maybe worth a listen in the context of this thread? (pun intended)
WE can still ask do Claris react to what they read and hear? That you can decide for yourself.