Quote - Unfortunately, I think in linear terms. Which makes concepts like Poser classes and OOP and gamma such difficult things to process.

You should take a look at gamma correction from the eyes of a traditional artist medium (pencils, paint, and in some cases crayon).  Gamma correction while in that line of thought makes everything that you said sound like Kingon radio garble and static(I can probably learn that faster LOL).  The only way I can understand Gamma at all is to use it in a similar way that I use it in editing digital photos.  Beyond that, all of that math is just way beyond me.  I guess it's one of those things that a formal education in would be helpful.