First of all, I really enjoy reading your analysis. . . what is the plural of that? It's too early. I just had to say a word of defense for my Ginny, as I've loved her since CoS.

Ginny's always had a personality, we just never saw it because of the crush on Harry. We're told by members of the Weasley family how talkative and bright she usually is-- Hermione is good friends with her-- and Ginny is strong enough to not only return to school after the Tom Riddle debacle (which clearly affected her, see her reaction to the dementors in PoA) but to be mentally healthy after it. And after she loses the crush, she's just been revealed to have all those personality traits rather than suddenly growing a spine. Maybe it's just me being wanky, but I always want to stand up for my girl. xD

Another comment-- I agree with you about the wizarding world, and I don't think we're supposed to read it as an ideal society. You might find Arthur creepy, but at least he offers Muggles basic respect that the rest of the society doesn't (and, well, okay, I love the Weasleys, but I always thought Arthur's obsession was more with objects than things-- not to say he wouldn't be overenthusiastic with Muggles, but he'd chill if he saw he needed to). The wizarding world has an archaic government, an emphasis on purebloods, and Umbridge in a position of power. What more could go wrong? xD