[James_K]

> "within" vs "not within" seems like a distraction.

It is a quite significant difference. A name bound at global scope exists with only one value. A name bound at function scope can be instantiated with different values depending on what the function is called with, and can hold multiple values at the same time if the function makes a recursive call to itself.

> I just don't see the distinction you're drawing as meaningful.

Yes, most languages are Turing-complete, so there isn't technically a difference between them. You are welcome to think the difference between Forth and other languages is not meaningful.