You assume that authenticity is inherently mundane. I agree that, typically speaking, authenticity is rather banal. However, authenticity is certainly capable of as much magic as artifice.

The difference is most often in quality and quality is most often a result of intent. Authenticity lacks intent because it is the default value, but it doesn't always lack quality.

By the way, you have been very LJ-active as of late. It is certainly a pleasure.

Waiting for my editors to get back to me, so I cannot start or continue any other projects in earnest at the moment. Vexing.

What I'm referring to is not authenticity, but "authenticity" being taken for authenticity. Newutimean?