Wombyn,
Nicely written. Is this one of those papasan swings? I've always thought cradle swings/papasan swings were moronic. It's not even just mimicking a person...which is more the motion of a traditional swing. It's a product (swing), mimicking a product (cradle), mimicking a person!!!
That said, I definitely agree that baby "containers" are more often than not misused. However, I do think that tired mamas need every tool they can get in their arsenal to get through their days, and sometimes that includes putting the baby down. I think that when used sparingly and judiciously, swings, bouncy seats and other "containers" can serve baby by keeping mama on an even keel.
I am an avid APer.. and to be honest, neither of my babies ever cared much for the swing, except when toddler as a toy, which is actually what graco intended when the first developed it... and indoor swing - that's actually how the company got started. And the bouncy seats in my house were kept on in each bathroom so I could pee with holding the baby or putting her on the floor! But these products can occasionally serve the BABY, and may be a place they really do find soothing, or enable them to sleep. While always being on mama is an ideal, an occasional alternative doesn't offend me.