Mmmm.. Honestly, the only times I've noticed a severe departure in style have been in the interactions between Mat and Talmanes. They seem forcibly jovial, and that is not historically their relationship. Other than that, I guess I'm not familiar with Sanderson's own works and may not realize...
The sound of it may be that way, but I don't believe that it would be in there if Jordan hadn't wanted it. It's far too significant for Harriet to have allowed Brandon to just dump something like that in.
Cairsora, that was a terrific analysis of the visions, and the idea that Avi might have changed the nature of the ter'angreal is interesting, though I don't believe that is what happened. I think that is just what the ter'angreal does on a second journey. But it's hard for us to know for certain.
This made me think that Tuon is a complete moron. If it's as simple as that, then damane could be given the choice to not channel. But they are not given a chance, and I was very annoyed that Tuon chose to justify her actions that way. :p