Here it is another cool example of "intriguing mess" in a PD patch (ring'o'ding_in_my_brain by cabowitz)
http://www.cabowitz.com/ring.pd
(also here http://puredata.hurleur.com/sujet-829-ring-ding)
Yes, looks like one of the most intriguing aspects of PD patch programming is the almost infinitely complicated network you can create with it. And yes, it's fascinating to "understand" that it is exactly that network that produces what you are hearing or what you are seeing in that moment.. it gives you more insights into the mechanics of the audio flow.
Steffn, thanks for the link you posted, they are really interesting..
Alberto Zin