You make good points. I agree with Virginia and DC--our perception doesn't always align with reality and it makes sense for the same in fiction. Besides, if the character always jumped the right way and never had any misunderstandings it would come across as phony unless it was done with great care.
Another factor here is Paul Bender.
Hmmm. I didn't realize they gave Paul's last name. I wonder if there's any relation to Sheldon Bender there...
