
Mmm... from what I've read, you're looking too far into the conception of the Zanpakuto. You also (my opinion) seem to be afraid to have an idea shot down, which is why you can't seem to pick anything. If I'm wrong in that aspect, then so be it. If I'm right, then I'm going to get some ice cream.
xd Regardless, Zan conception is not something that is perfect right away. You have to pick something, anything, and then take it apart, have someone rip it to shreds, and then rebuild it back up. I mean, Hei'z black zan is one that has been in production for two years and it's just now reached perfection in my eyes.
Really, just go for it. Pick one aspect, anything, and make it so. Then we can tear it the hell up and rebuild it. Ne? I mean, this is the only help I can offer since I can't force you into understanding. Because you are right, it is a broad range and different people see things differently. But myself, Dante, and the few rare others that help out with profiles have a pretty good idea of what is h4x and was is not, so we can somewhat limit that broadness.
-shrugs- I dunno, that's just how I look at it. It was never confusing for me, maybe that's because I'm a walking Bleach encyclopedia, maybe I'm just that brain type. Couldn't begin to tell you.