Nothing you've presented contradicted what I presented.
You may want to reread the part that states:
There is no ambiguity about what 'everything else' is referring to, the series in general. This was understood by the original translator Rika (who is still active today) and I later confirmed myself personally when I read the interview in Japanese for myself.
There's also no point in attempting that angle of argument because in my post, I directly pointed out that this statement has softened over time and changed alongside Oda. What does remain is the notion that where and when possible, Oda attempts to realistically ground many, but not all, ideas in his universe.
Also, you took the liberty of twisting the words of the interview by limiting it to the main crew and their ship. Again, I urge you to reread:
So if anyone is misrepresenting Oda's words, it's you. But don't take my word for it:
When translating, Rika understood that the question refers to the work as a whole and Oda's answer reflects that. If he has characters flying it will cheapen the need for ships and his characters can do anything. He does not mention any specificity of the crew so your understanding is appreciated.
But even this clarification is moot because it's besides that point, I agree that fantastic elements can exist in the story. However, when and where possible, Oda will attempt to ground them like for example your next point.
Raizo's techniques which many argued were actually 'just because' all had explanations. For months, people argued vehemently against that notion and they were all proven wrong. Same for Onimaru. People literally raged at me over Onimaru, screaming that he was magical and...well...
Now that Raizo's doing something else, the process is once again repeating itself but this remains well within Oda's already established boundaries for hypnosis/power of suggestion in his world as explored via Miss Goldenweek. Power of suggestion/control is a mildly fantastic element but it's one that is grounded within our own world that he has exaggerated and is certainly not 'just because' as you've suggested. In fact, while the explanation may have a power of suggestion explanation, I could also see an outcome where Oda makes it a gag. The sky's the limit for explanations and outcomes, literally anything is possible. But it won't be 'just because'. In truth I don't even know if it will be expanded on in the main story, but it time, it will come out, just like everything else has, supplemental or otherwise.
When pseudoscience doesn't fit and when the story demands it, Oda will include a fantastic element and there's...nothing wrong with that. I'm literally arguing in your favor, and that has always been my understanding.
To this point, I think I've been polite albeit direct, but how dare you attempt to smear me by saying I 'took credit' for any idea with zero to go on besides your bias.
I have been publicly discussing the importance of souls in One Piece since March 19th, 2016 or like I said in my post (that I urge you to reread without glasses of bias) half a decade. Turns out it's actually over half a decade. I simply brought up that tweet because of how timely it was. And your suggestion of 'minimum' creates a muddled cloud of time that only favors you because you can point to any untangible period you see fit whereas I know precisely the date, that I began publicly discussing the importance of souls in One Piece. I would *never* argue I was the first to do so, I'm sure through the years many have. But prior to Chapter 820 I was never aware of such an idea and the ideas I presented were entirely my own so for you to wildly suggest not only that I stole them, but stole them from a given individual and then wanted to take credit for them, is disgusting.
I think it's very clear that you're splitting hairs for no reason other than to be contrarian because it turns out that I am actually fully against the notion that you mocked me for holding. I'm happy leaving this here to speak for itself, hated or believed. If you do have questions or would like clarifications, I welcome them in the Inbox. Thank you for your time.
