I agree.  Johnny's criticism of the 'cartoon anecdote' seems like a real reach in an effort to say something negative.  And co-opting the "would-have-been" feelings of the two absent principals in the story feels like a low-rent approach to making your case.  A case which expresses an opinion that, far as my readings have ever informed me, is held by Johnny and only Johnny.

I thought it was a lovely, touching, non-pandering anecdote and I very much appreciate Ted's sharing of it.