A lot of words to overlook the obvious meaning of the word(Nicolaitans) as an epithet.. Revelation is "the" vision of Christ shared with John as a "sub-vision".. The seven churchs of Asia are examples or metaphorical examples(models) in the vision.. as is the epithet of the Nicolaitans.. Trying to make Revelation "literal" is a mistake.. God(Jesus) HATES the deeds of the Nicolaitans or heirarchical clergy.. But then he did while in the flesh also..
GOD uses epithets?... Absolutely,,