In Mathematics and Humor, John Allen Paulos proposes that the unifying factor in all humor is the tweaking of expectations. He then uses that idea to explain the two personality types that are deficient in humor: On the one hand are the wide-eyed airheads whose reaction to the unexpected is invariably "Wow". They have no expectations to tweak and are thus impervious to humor.
At the other end of the spectrum are the dour of countenance who just really, really don't like to have their expectations -- or anything else -- tweaked.
These latter came to mind when I read the responses to "Outlandish, Crazy, Insane Midrashim". Admittedly, the language may be ill-considered, but I read it the way I would read a P. T. Barnum poster, not as an insult to Chaza"l (who themselves often used over-the-top language for humorous or dramatic effect).
So lighten up. In fact, I think you educators will do more to protect Chaza"l's reputation by pointing out they they sometimes spoke humorously and exaggerated to make a point than by insisting on the clearly false proposition that everything they said is to be taken at face value.
Michael
