if the vs you set such store by must insist there be no substance surviving whatever, it would be a contradiction to add that those on the ark did not, it is a qualifier. as is "..all in whose nostrils.."

Actually, you know, you are the one who sets great store by the verses being interpreted literally!

I am sure everyone knows the story in general terms, but it is clear throughout the whole passage that Noah and family are to be safe. It would be unnecessary for every single verses to be followed by "(except Noah and his family)": this is implied by the context. The repetition for the specific verse makes sense both in context and in the art of storytelling.

No such special dispensation was given to beetles.