Hi David. I've always been wary when people define awase as "blending"...my own japanese instructor always responds with "what is this blending???".
I like the definitions above much more. I think they describe what was missing much better than I can. One thing I've heard my instructor say though is that if you don't meet the attack (on shomenuchi ikkajo ni for ex.) how do you know uke's power?
Best,
Ron (he also defines harmony as taking two opposing forces and creating something more / positive from it...awase?)