I think part of it is just latching onto supernormal stimulus from ancient parts of our brains.

Any Gibson fans yawning about this? I am. Almost all the plot points and details listed above is to be found in a Gibson novel or story (The short story "Dogfight" and the novel Idoru specifically)...except for the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" give away.

"The book's big reveals are a bit too simplistic..."