Can't comment on the "scientific" aspects here, but am loving this discussion anyway.

However, just want to add that:

The first two diagnoses that came back at the start of the ruling out process for me was SFN from skin punch biopsy and Hashimoto's. PCP and cardio suggested Sjogren's and seeing a rheumatologist. I did, at the Cleveland Clinic for the first (and last) time. She pressed down on the trapezius, pressed the hips, etc.. and asked if it hurt. I said absolutely not. She announced I had fibro with a "little bit of sicca," "some SFN" and "anxiety."
I remember just looking at her and saying to my husband, "let's go."

When I brought her notion back to the PCP and subsequently the new rheumatologists at University Hospitals, as I sit here and write - they all laughed and said absolutely not. Final dx: Sjogren's.

Ever since the term "fibromyalgia" became a buzzword in the 90's, I wondered if there really was such a thing as nobody I ever knew ever had those kinds of complaints. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal issues - but otherwise nothing resembling fibromyalgia unless it was called rheumatism in the "old" days.