Well, I don't have the experience with fandom that you do, so that aside (because it doesn't make sense to me).
I agree here. I really wasn't struck by how serious it was for Brian to hit Michael until last night. I knew it was because Michael invoked the bashing, but I didn't take it to heart and I didn't include in my viewing experience, my knowledge that Brian was himself abused.
It the profundity of the moment really effected me last night.
About the hustler. I am usually show grossed out about it I don't have enough focus to really feel it and experience it as a viewer. But last night I did and it BROKE MY HEART. Brian is so lost and no one but the viewer and Brian knows it.