That's a lotta material. Whew.
The timeline idea is possible, songwise, but I'm not quite convinced.
Somehow, things don't match, don't fit and not it the way a crime plot, even the most convoluted promises--almost as if the was some sort of change of direction. Mike Garson did describe how most of the album songs came from a Jan 95 session, but they had been working on the project since March 94.
I do understand about the influences (Burden, Athey, ...). But it's like reading two different things. THe original story/ diary, tho gory, is almost quirky and of a very dark humor. The album itself, the music is extremely emotional, dark, draining, and depressing-- I've yet to listen to the whole thing in one go-- I usually turn it off in the middle of I'm with Name. It's extraordinarily disturbing.
About I'm Deranged-- it uses a lot of gay, S/M lingo and imagery (cruise me, fist of love).
What is the "Salaam" reference (a Middle Eastern greeting)???
"Before we reel" (lovers swooning, or to reel from a blow, from shock-- or film, but last is unlikely).
Other points: "Diamond friendly". OK right with the illfated shopeer and her encrusted cord but it continues "sitting in the Laugh MOTEL"-- not a shop. Almost sounds like a high-class call girl, rather.
"if there was only something between us", referring to emotions, not clothes. An empty relationship, where all that binds two people are appearances. superficialities.
"I think I've lost my way" (self-questioning, "where did I go wrong, where do I go from here?)

More pondering over the weekend.

"Let go of my hand, Ed".