Should a service layer return view models for an MVC application?

No, I don't think so. Services should care only about the problem domain, not the view that renders results. Return values should be expressed in terms of domain objects, not views.

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.