A reader writes:
I noticed while reading your post that the Dish is sort of a mirror of the "composite state" or republic, mixing Monarchy (Sully), Oligarchy (Patrick, Chris, Conor, Zoe) and Democracy (readers). Just like our own system of checks and balances, the mixture of contributors provides anchors and much needed reality checks to each element. It blends the strengths of the individual, the small group, and the vast collective while helping the manage the weaknesses of each.
Well, that's the hope: what the ancients called "a mixed regime." But it's the result of no theory; just gradual improvisation and experiment.