"Most brands' logos are symbols to which they may add names. Let's agree to differ on the semantics!"
Do you really think that? I reckon there's more names-as-logos here:
http://www.interbrand...obal-brands-2011.aspx Than logos only.
If it's good enough for Disney, Coca-cola, Microsoft, Google, Nokia, Gillette, Samsung, H&M, Amazon, Sony, eBay, Kellog's, Philips and Gucci I reckon it's good enough for us.
Also, if you ever want to sit down with a book on branding pick up this:
http://www.amazon.com...atthews/dp/1435700155 (if you haven't read it already obviously!)