What the hell was up with Kanaya's monologue about Kate Bornstein and Sarah McLachlan? Was the latter referring to the troll version of the real life singer, or some kind of in-joke? Also, that bit of worldbuilding about the jadebloods was really interesting, albeit somewhat disturbing.

What the hell indeed! I don’t like answering outright because these things are intended to get you thinking about the question, rather than me telling you. Bornsians are “negligent” and Lachlanists are generous with force, and both schools of thought try to answer the question “how to raise grubs.” This means something in the context of Kanaya’s story and Act 8′s story.

The Sarah McLachlan joke is definitely just a reference to her ASCPA commercials. Saying that troll Sarah Mclachlan’s behavior is in quite stark contrast on Alternia, and Bornstein’s behavior is slightly more recognizable to her real-world counterpart, makes suggestions about how mercy, maternal values and femininity might be understood differently there and while regarding Kanaya’s character. At least in Act 8′s case.