In all fairness I was referring to the op which stated you let the LM brainstorm "for you". I wanted to get the point across that you can also talk to it like you would to a rubber duck.

But i agree with you that there is a difference between talking to an LM and talking to a rubber duck forvtge reasons you described. It's its own thing.

But I disagree with your view on brainstorming. I mean when you say it is an exercise in exploring your understanding... Well it can be but this is not all it can be.

When I brainstorm for a project I have an idea but not necessarily all knowledge about all the things I need/want for it. So it can help to gather reference points, technology that fits the project, etc.

And the encouraging to stay on certain track is also true but can be a good thing.