Is this a valid request or am I fundamentally misunderstanding the playlist structure?

It sounds like you're misunderstanding the "Always Randomize" flag.

It randomizes only at its own level. For example, if it's filled with tracks, it will randomize those tracks. If it's filled with playlists, it will shuffle the playlists but not their contents.

Also, remember that when you copy a playlist in Emplode, you're copying a link to it, not making a duplicate of the playlist. So if you change one, the other will be changed, too. If you want to have two different playlists with the same name but different properties, create the other playlist by hand rather than copying it.

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Tony Fabris