^I'm suspecting as much.

I'm thinking in terms of potential/kinetic energies. The boulder at the top of the hill is loaded with power, but it might require an additional force beyond itself to trigger the realization. The outside agency might be much less than the power, potential or kinetic, of the rock.

Chess is a popular subject around these parts. Reminds me of an experience: I was still a boy when the first computer Chess games came out (lights for column and row, I moved the pieces for it.) I had rarely played before that time. I was eerily impressed by this superior intelligence as it quickly and relentlessly grinded me down.

The Chess playing computers are now superior to the designers in ability to play the game. They are superior to the players. Yet, they are utter slaves to the logic and design and the users can turn them off and on at will.