But the point here is not seeking &/or identifying instances of metaphor; but whether Mr Sprockett was correct in claiming metaphorical status for the MWI postulate. So far as I can see, hawking, Everett, et al, intend it to be accepted as a statement of the actual, or at least the probable. Where have they calimed any metaphorical, rhetorical, symbolic, allegorical, tropic [ie trope-ic] or whatever status for it, please, Mr Sprockett?

& I should be obliged if you would kindly desist from addressing me in such patronising & peremptory locutions as

"Stop playing the C P Snow game".... "Don't play dumb..."

I am unaware of any authority you might claim for such modes of address.

I reserve the right to play whatever I choose. So I have thought of a nice little game for you to play: you go & hide, and nobody comes to look for you.

~M~