I think the fundamental issue is that humans are spatial thinkers - i.e. we think about things in 2 or 3 dimensions, not just one. There's something about being

I think the fundamental issue is that humans are spatial thinkers - i.e. we think about things in 2 or 3 dimensions, not just one. There's something about being able to see everything mapped out in front of you (with post-its or similar) that just works better. So while eventually every story becomes linear, the thinking required to get there works best with more dimensions.