I tend to agree, although the mysticism to the profound looking glass does have a sort of allure to it. I think it applies more to a strategy or idea then an actual object shrouded in the esoteric.

Although I have heard that no matter what they tried, the black hats could not see passed a certain point of time, or marker. That could also just be a form of fan fiction adding to the allure of the existence of such a device.

If I were to bet, I would put it on your number 1. It has mostly already been handled and they get all these predictions right simply because they are doing a slow release of what is already done.

Just my opinion. Really, who knows about anything anymore? Other than God wins, we win.