Purefoy's annoyance factor is why I think he would do well as Bronn. Bronn, as I read it, is a character who comes with a certain measure of discomfort. IMHO, it *should* be played by an actor who looks like he doesn't belong there. Bronn really never belonged there to begin with, something Catelyn made painfully aware in her POV chapters. His displacement and Tyrion's ... Tyrion-ness, would really make for powerful scenes. I voted Purefoy, as convinced as I am that he won't get cast.

As mentioned, I suspect the 1300 word count suggests that we're close to a release for ADWD (as in this year, not next month). And I agree with the sentiment that this is the part of the book that's the hardest to write, the critical climax, etc. There's a lot of threads to weave, but I think where they go from here (after ADWD) will be slightly easier to put to pen. I can't disagree that the concern isn't legitimate - but I also think it's a question that's already been asked, and addressed, between GRRM and HBO. ____I do like the idea of ASoS being two seasons, though!