Also I imagine that the kids that do go down the chute are eventually turned into the half Smilers that we see.
Oooh now that is *inspired*. Yes, of course! (I think the whale mostly lives off 'scraps'/rubbish (considering that its mouth resembled a compost bin. But it certainly made for a perfect place to dispose of unwanted people.)

Given the choice between water tight plotting and shiny character stuff I'm going to be a soaking wet fangirl hugging her new sparkly toys every time.
Hee! I think that's definitely a brilliant metaphor! And yes, Amy and Eleven are cute, and that's all that matter. :)