I think point #2 is moot now. I was expecting him to show during the skeleton scene and save them but it ended up being Leaf. So, I'm pretty sure that whole thing just got cut completely. Besides, he'd have been here long ago if he were to be included.

1. Something for the next season. You can't cram too much material into one.

I get what you were trying to say, but your phrasing wasn't right.

I may or may not have maps of Westeros, Braavos, and Kings Landing spread around my living room as I do a re-read of books 4 and 5...

Dinklage just killed that final scene. All the hurt, resentment, and anger he has carried over a lifetime just came pouring out, directed not only at his family, but at the entire populace of King's Landing. It wasn't tactful at all but the vitriolic honesty was absolutely riveting.

That would make a great season finale ... wrap up the major events at Kings Landing w/ Tryion et al, which would seem like the "logical" ending to the season, and then, if that wasn't enough for you, here's "one more thing" in the Riverlands!

Ser Pounce of House Cockblock

Already see a problem — those shoulderpads just aren't big enough.

I'll just leave this here.

Again, the question should be, how is society hurt when small unaccountable elites control the vast majority of wealth?