Yes. I watched tons of games for the same reasons you did. And I agree with the thought that comparison is near impossible. Abstract is right. Picasso-level abstract.
I agree the system had a lot to do with Montana's checkdowns, and it wasn't necessarily Joe Montana making the decision on his own. However, it goes straight into the point many have made about Cutler buying fully into a system instead of locking in on Marshall. It's what many believe - me included - he has yet to fully do, and it's precisely why McCown did well. It's not like McCown did that well at any other time in his career. He bought in, and the system fits him well.
Yeah, that's a misunderstanding. My point about defense was a direct reply to Cracker's insistence that the INT difference between Montana and Cutler was somehow tied to defense. Normally I'd agree that there is some merit to this line of reasoning, like you've pointed out, but the simple fact is, Cutler threw plenty of picks the last three years and the Bears had pretty damn good defenses then.