Good post as usual Gareth.Can i add to it by saying,its all opinons anyway.One person will hear funk in a track,the other not.I've often been told a track is RnB,when in my opinion its nowhere near.Its early funk.Sometimes lyically,sometimes small parts musically.
The trick as you say is not to follow but to listen.First and foremost the record has to grab you.The genre should come 2nd.
Sorry ,didn't understand the highlighted peice tho'?,I take it you mean tailor made at the time to sell?.