That's interesting--I hadn't thought of it that way before, but it totally makes sense--that the numbers would make for experimentation. (now--why there would be such numbers for a basically little-watched show--that's a question for the ages!).

I would say that the introduction of a major new slash pairing in S4 certainly helped keep things fresh, but I've feel like I just read a slew of good new gen fic this week....

*ponders*