Keith you are correct . The variability of time it takes various photons in that measurement is most likely caused by the quantum effects of quantum "graininess"

A low E photon is like a 1 inch wheel rolling through space compared to a 20 inch wheel that gives a smoother more direct ride.

Old Dude, I agree with most, approaching all of what you say except cosmic green jello.
What annoys me about what you say is that you are saying many of the same things I am saying BUT you say it in an opposite way I would say it.
Its as if you describe the mirror versions of certain ideas I endorse.

It is possible I am the mirror and your choice of words like distance are more straight forward.

What holds space in check is another kind of space force not discussed in today's physics.
What holds matter in check/balance are forces of both mass and force particles.

Both space forces interact with mass and mass interacts with space on a space time basis.

It is my contention that space is reacting to the ever growing acceleration of the number of black hole formations.

We have a measurement of the accumulation of more black holes over the last 7 billion years compared to the early 1st 7 billion years.

Inside black holes is one hell of a lot collapsed space and not just mass. But it is kind of space that is not just the distance kind of space we find it easy to think about. It is a kind of anti space That is adjacent to all points in space and does not have a distance dimension attached to it.

This the kind of space in which atoms can be entangled.

Even Black Holes can be entangled! This is why black holes are for all purposes just an elementary particle.

Some of the above ideas are exactly what is difficult, from my perspective, for other people to understand.
Maybe it may become clear to more people but finding evidence for anti space is what I have a hard time proving. That is my quandary.

I can describe anti space by what it is not but that is not scientific.
It is not an anti de sitter space that serves as a canvas to make certain interactions more clear. Rather it is a space that does spooky things compared to the space normally associated with distance.