Re:Havent seen this mentioned yet (Score 1)

Not a new idea to me -- I remember thinking, "power? A huge, 'Connection Machine' made out of people's brains is available, and the machines are just using people for POWER?!" I think your thought is on target.

Another possible spin... twice in M2 there was a reference to the idea of "conflict vs. synergy" or "parasitism vs. symbiosis:" 1. the Zion head councilman mentions synergy (we CAN turn off the machines that power Zion, but life would be difficult if not impossible) 2. the Architect also mentions interdependence, but prefers to the relationship with humans to be a parasitic one -- he wants the machines to have the upper hand ("there are levels of existence we are prepared to accept"). 3. the Architect and the Oracle represent logic and intuition, and both are necessary for a healthy functioning intelligence.

Wonder if we're going to see some sort of co-operation / merging of the two opposites in the 3rd film; the war becomes cooperation, Logic and Intuition merge, humans are 'free' but must live with their machine brethren, kum-bay-ah, etc., etc. Yeah, sounds a bit hippie-ish, whaddyagonnado.

We'll see where it goes. ;)