@CarlMuckenhoupt Yeah, it feels like the focal character getting close to that line is just a red herring.

Episode 3 did mention that the worst thing you could do to someone is make them feel Unloved and Unwanted. Caine is seen as neither for the time being by everyone, including himself. He can't make adventures that people like, when that's his only purpose, and everyone either doesn't like him, or actively hates him.