I don't think this rule list can be taken at face value, either, but some of the points are really interesting to me.

It's understandable, but on the reader end it feels slower than it really is.

I'm really glad you said something, then! I'm planning to do an revision of the whole thing once the final chapter is posted, to resolve any inconsistencies and whatnot, and while I'm at it I can expand Chapters Four and Five if that'll help things.