This is such a good explanation for the cold, emotionally distant vibe I get from the early scenes in "BTE". If Rimmer and Lister are in the early stages of a relationship, unsure how much they mean to each other, and then the spectre of Earth puts doubt in both their minds it makes so much more sense. Not only from a slashy perspective, the whole dramatic tone shift from Series VIII (plus the loss of Kochanski of course).

I realise it's not what Doug had in mind, but I prefer this version. ;)