I've wanted to start a PSIII topic for a while, but admittedly it's a pretty broad topic. To keep things simple (initially, at least) I've thought of some questions about the game: some things I find bothersome, interesting or confusing. Feel free to answer all or none, and add your own thoughts or questions as well.
What do you think of the importance of marriage in the game? Is it simply a part of the generational tactic Sega used to garner interest in the game, or does it have deeper meaning to the people aboard the Alisa III?
Why are history and tradition seemingly almost entirely oral in this game, and why is it so secretive?
What has happened that would cause technology to be abandoned except for a few villages of important workers that keep the ship running?
Why do the women of Alisa III place so much of their self-worth on finding a suitable partner? Follow-up question: There's nothing to suggest in PSI or PSII that the people of Algo are a patriarchal society, so why has this society reverted to patriarchy, no matter if you're Layan or Orakian?
Finally, (and this question was prompted by the mini discussion in RW's fan art thread) are Layans, particularly direct descendants and particularly females, more than just human? The original Laya was venerated as an almost god in the game, her sister has a blue aura (even years after she was woken from her cryogenic hibernation), Gwyn is clairvoyant, and Layans are the only ones who know how to use techniques. If you do not marry Laya-the-Younger in the second generation, she goes back to sleep. Did she consider herself an important relic rather than someone who could go on without marrying another royal? (What a sad existence, by the way.)
I'll answer my own questions in a minute; I just want to get this posted.