From what you describe it sounds like when you run a SWF in the FlashIDE with compile errors. It will just loop though all the frames. I am sure you have seen it before normal flash buttons just flicker.
I'm not sure I fully understand your issue, but this sounds incredibly familiar to a problem I had in the past. I do the same thing. I never use Button symbols and always opt to use a MovieClip instead, since they're more flexible and having all your button state animations immediately exposed I find a much more intuitive way of working.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.