The way I have looked at this is that a big problem is the confusion of "objects" with "abstract data types" and the clinging to "data" and "assignment statemen

The way I have looked at this is that a big problem is the confusion of "objects" with "abstract data types" and the clinging to "data" and "assignment statements". As soon as encapsulation is really enforced the object can do what it needs to deal with the design parameters (including keeping histories, etc.). Again: it's really worth looking at Dave Reed's MIT thesis ...