I really feel like the first 2 sections of the STAGES OF THE GAME article could help you make sense of this game - and the associated commentary - in a different light.
I know it’s ~20 pages, but once it gets past the intro - almost 2/3rds of each page is illustration - so hopefully the reading doesn’t feel too dense. It tries to walk you through the 2 example games (with links to games on OGS) in similar ways to bugcat’s amazing commentary above - going through the moves on the OGS page brings those illustrations to life.
Once I had my own light-bulb moment with that whole balloon-popping metaphor I came up with, I found it really helped my transition from Opening to Midgame - so at least I got that goin’ for me.
Good luck!