I have a really hard time swallowing the idea of analogies being over-rated. There is so much literature behind the effectiveness of analogies in learning, particularly in sciences: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8518/367cc1ef090ea263c39e91...

Why do you feel this way?

I should correct myself and say that Analogies are "Overused". Feynman's teaching style had frequent use of Analogies but as a way to clarify the concept, not manifest the concept using an analogy in a didactic manner to students. He explained things in plain english first.

Analogies definitely have a place in learning but it should be carefully prefaced with a warning that analogies can only go so far. You can't explain Quantum Electrodynamics using analogies or you're misleading the students.

Challenge accepted.

I think the whole purpose of ELI5, when done right, is to introduce you to the concept. Not help you master it. Similarly, analogies do help, especially for a non-native speaker.

Introduction shouldn't be complicated to explain in plain english. Instead of introducing to the concept, it misleads from the beginning.

Fair enough. ELI5s wouldn't be necessary if the original abstract was good enough.