A “more elegant” spatial and size generalization made me think of grid modules. Each 3 axis 2D representation almost doubles in resolution from the next.
By projection from one 2D size to the next grid modules may be representing objects and environments at essentially all possible visual sizes, not just the one being viewed at. In this case close up features would automatically be recalled, by what is seen from far away.
With grid modules not being accounted for in models yet, my best guess is that a more elegant way may be found there. It would also solve a signal ambiguity problem in my model that is the result of needing scales with less resolution, to best represent large areas to avoid.
I do not know of any evidence that would rule out this possibility, and felt it was worth mentioning, just in case this actually is what’s needed.