(re Randy Quaid) >>which I think he/Ang chose to keep him from seeming like an evil threat, more like an unknown, unpredictable quantity
Well put, Ellemeno. In fact, this is a bit OT but I like that none of the people who seem somewhat threatening ever actually do much real harm: Aguirre, Jimbo, John Twist (well, except for hoarding the ashes), Alma (threatening because of her knowledge). The only exception is, of course, Ennis' dad. I like this approach because, the dad aside, there are no villains. But also because it keeps the conflict on Ennis' internal struggle rather than on some genuine external danger. It's more interesting and complex.
OK, sorry. Back to bad deliveries. Ummm ... can't think of any others. I know what you mean, Ellemeno, about Lureen's phone conversation -- it seems a bit stilted when she's describing the accident. But I like it anyway, maybe because the stiltedness adds to the mystery (is she lying, or what?). Even better I like the sad little squeaks she makes as she puts two and two together. Especially after Ennis discloses that they were on Brokeback together in 1963 -- long before she met Jack! Squeak.