Philosophy is a "dry and boring" subject to many and this is why she chose the novel as a platform on which to present her philosophy. Sorry for the late comment, but just getting to this thread.
I agree with everything you said except the above. Ayn Rand never set out to be a philosopher. She desired to be a writer first, but knowing that to be one she must have a rational philosophy as a guide, and discovering there was not one, she devised her own. So far, it's the best there is, with all its warts and wrinkles.
By the way, far from being, "dry and boring," I find no subject in the world more interesting than philosophy. (Taste is subjective.)
Hank
When I said philosophy is "dry and boring" that was more regarding how I think philosopy is viewed by a great many people. I like philosophy as well, hence my interest in Ayn Rand/Objectivism. My own idea of dry reading would probably be something about the differing categories of sedimentary rock along the Congo river :-).
A thread about Ayn Rand on FR is always interesting though. That the left hate her is a no-brainer, but I'm always amazed at how many people on the right despise her as well. You can just look back over this thread and see various forms of or attempts at character assasination. Any comments on why that might be? That's an honest question- it's a head scratcher for me.