Great Posts Caps.   I have sometimes wondered, how differently individual people see and interpret the same scriptures.     I wonder if it is because God has separate and "different" tasks for us individually to do in the Kingdom!!!   If indeed it is the "One Lord and One Spirit" speaking to us in our interpretations, instead of thinking the "other people are wrong" and need "enlightening" maybe, we should be thinking the Holy Spirit is interpreting a message to us personally because of our future role in His plans.   We are after all "His body" and the body has many functions.   Perhaps the LORD is preparing us for the future by interpreting things differently to each of us.   I do find many scriptures enigmatic and open to several interpretations.
 
Another aspect of interpretation that I have wondered about.    For the last 2000 years, perhaps the thought of "escape" and "hope of heaven" has been adequate to keep Christians looking for his return.    Maybe now we are getting "near the time" there is a bit of fine tuning going on, and we are being given fresh  insight into the matter.    A study of the word "parousia" is quite enlightening.   Glad you mentioned it.   Just a couple of thoughts to add to the big picture.
 
As far as Ruth is concerned - that particular Gentile Bride certainly "hung around" until after the whole harvest was completed, as per the references you have given.  (After Pentecost).
 
Also, have you ever looked at the "physical weight" of the burden that Boaz placed in her veil??    According to the weights and measures I have investigated - she could not physically have carried that burden in her cloak/veil!!    Any comments - Doves?
 
I have a post that I prepared several months ago on this topic.   I will see if I can find time to dig it out  and edit it for posting.   Hello to all.   God Bless.   Annette