> I can admit "it's not just x, it's y" is mediocre writing. Eh, there are times when it's entirely justifiable and even good. The problem has more to do with

> I can admit "it's not just x, it's y" is mediocre writing. Eh, there are times when it's entirely justifiable and even good. The problem has more to do with making it a cliche. (Also, sometimes the X-Y pair is just uncanny in one way or another.)