ah, u know i read that faq and in fact after viewing the first time ended up on the worm chamring wiki. with these type of films, some lynch work comes to mind like inland empire, where all seems to be a mystery, i just let it wash over me and try not to analyze it. my brain does connect some of the dots and after a 2nd viewing it comes together.
in regards to upstream color, my thoughts focus on "the sampler". the "the thief" and the orchid business profit from the parasite monetarily but with the sampler, while he does also with his cd's/recordings, there seemed to be something he was after. something about using the experiences of others and the sounds of his field recordings, i recall he had some strange notes and got upset/frustrated at one point not being to quite obtain whatever he was hoping for...
like u say, it's a good thing it was executed well, if it wasn't the film could have easily turned out to be a mess.