I don't disagree, but something like Shakespeare's plays or the Odyssey/Iliad probably were refined/changed based on audience responses before they became the f

I don't disagree, but something like Shakespeare's plays or the Odyssey/Iliad probably were refined/changed based on audience responses before they became the fixed works we have now. Dickens (after publication) softened the language towards Jews in the latter parts of Oliver Twist based on reactions he got from acquaintances. It's hard to evaluate cultural production without the benefit of hindsight. In two hundred years someone will take the best YouTube video produced today (best by their future standards) and be amazed at how great people were in 2023.