that he has a basic foundation to work off and then just manipulates the dream to make himself more badass at it.

True, I like that as well. The whole skills in- versus out-of dream issue is really interesting that way.

Oh my god, I feel like that's a recipe for an entirely new big bang, and right now I'm pretty sure it would kill me. But someone should do it. Gah, maybe in a few months when I'm not partially insane!