A simple point that might clear up the confusion is: note that the electromagnetic field warps in the presence of charge, yet no charge is transmitted in an ele

A simple point that might clear up the confusion is: note that the electromagnetic field warps in the presence of charge, yet no charge is transmitted in an electromagnetic wave either. Explanation: the wave is the warping itself. If a charge or mass exists, the field is (permanently) warped to contain it, in a way that doesn't propagate (although it can be mathematically described as an exchange of particles). But if the charge or mass accelerates, then the warping changes, and the information about that acceleration propagates away. Basically the wave is other charges/masses 'finding out' about a distant change in the velocity of a charge.