I admit I was in the ‘as shot’ camp when I watched it. But I firmly believe there is room for your interpretation and that this parallels the Is Deckard a replicant question.
I support this 100%. As you see I gave it a 3.5 which to me is in the 'has good to great qualities but isn't overall a triumph'.
I didn't focus on any of the negative points in my review but they are there and you outlined them well.
It's an indy production with a very specific, well calling...