Hmmm...what is all this, a demand for a recount?

Hesperis - congratulations for the best overall analysis of the lot. It was indeed the attempt to establish paternal lineage (always a bit tricky to prove...until very recently) that led to the oppression, imprisonment (in exclusive relationship), and virtual enslavement of women. A pretty sorry situation. Maternal lineage is absolutely obvious and undeniable, and societies based upon it do not oppress their women.

I had a guitar teacher many years ago, an American draft dodger who lived in Toronto, Canada. He was being interviewed by the press one time (being quite a unique character), and he said he couldn't wait for the matriarchy to be reestablished in society. "Why?" asked the interviewer. "Because I'd rather be coddled than obeyed," replied Matthew. :-)