When writing about X, quite often the algorithm that communicates “X” most succinctly ignores considerations “Y” and “Z.” Sometimes, Y and Z would just get in

When writing about X, quite often the algorithm that communicates “X” most succinctly ignores considerations “Y” and “Z.” Sometimes, Y and Z would just get in the way. But then again, sometimes their omission distracts the reader and provokes a lot of bikeshedding. There is no easy answer, and I often get this balance wrong. This is, I think, what makes some writers so brilliant: They find a way to present “X” in a clear and strong way without making an absolute hash of “Y” and “Z.” Such writing is a treasure.