Hello Michael: I like your astute analysis and would augment things as follows:
Erickson seemed to think that problems were often associated with inflexibility, when in fact, there is a myriad of flexible options. Inflexible behaviors are often a result of inflexible associations. Accessing constructive associations leads to flexible behavior.
Erickson was not in an iron lung. He was however paralyzed for about a year after contracting polio at the age of 17. He credited polio with teaching him a lot about observation. Again, he was a scientist and did not believe in esoteric phenomena.
Erickson was great at promoting intellectual heirs, and yes, he encouraged his followers to find their own way, not to mimic his.
Thanks again for writing, Michael.