Philosophically speaking, I agree with your conclusions about how aikido in its ideal should be practiced at a truly spontaneous and dynamic level. And I love the discussion.
But I think in your choice of the word, "mediocrity," you have touched a nerve -- all those of us who re striving to achieve the ultimate "aiki" level, and are yet failing, are thus "mediocre." We can't all be perfect, but some of us strive to be better than average, and labeling that as mediocrity is such a negative call.
On the other had, even if it is a poor word choice, it has fueled a great thread.
Main Entry: me·di·o·cre
Pronunciation: "mE-dE-'O-k&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin mediocris, from medius middle + Old Latin ocris stony mountain; akin to Latin acer sharp -- more at EDGE
: of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance