I partly disagree with (2). Chris was always able to describe his vision. The problem with the project IS the vision. The vision is to have a huge universe full of players where you could go anywhere and do anything you want in a sci-fi universe. Clearly that sort of thing has a broad appeal to gamers. The problem is that it's completely unrealistic. Especially with Chris Roberts who seems to be more concerned with graphical "fidelity" than any of the underlying computer programming challenges needed to make it work.
Well i focused to much on communication and you're hitting a bit more the core. So i agree with your point.
But to me he's still looking incapable of not only communicating what he wants, but actually trying to imagine what he wants. Making the dream a tangible vision, so to say. When i watched him trying to describe how flight should feel - i only thought "He doesn't know what he wants or is completly unable to communicate what he wants.". Back then i'd said he was nervous and therefore unable to say what he means. Today i'm not sure about that.