"Tell us a little about Bronson's methodology and his aesthetic principles (if any)?"
Why - are you challenging his work ?
Incidentally, 'oft repeated phrases' are often known as "incremental repetition" when applied to the ballads (as distinct from choruses and refrains)
They usually act as indications that the plot has moved on in time or distance, or that other changes have taken place
Not 'clichés, but an essential part of the plot
The technique is also used in traditional storytelling
Jim