Another very interesting piece, thank you! I did enjoy seeing the 'Romance' taken seriously as a source; like you, I think it has a lot to tell us.
I like the idea of Hephaistion as the more philosophically-minded of the two, and I agree with it. Paul Cartledge says that Alexander was no 'philosopher in arms', despite his interest, but when it comes to Hephaistion, I think that's a description that might fit.
Fiona