I really clicked with this part of your article, for the first part of my undergrad maths modules I had been automatically trying to connect these symbols with

I really clicked with this part of your article, for the first part of my undergrad maths modules I had been automatically trying to connect these symbols with some global definition and getting in a muddle. I still remember the combination feeling of outrage + sudden realisation when the penny dropped that they were just "making it up as they went along"! (sort of)