Well, I'm glad someone else has at least noticed the cliche! I mostly ignore it, but I read story in which two people get drunk and are simultaneously cared for in such a manner by their poor beleaguered significant others and it just was a little too over the top for me.

It's not that stories that use these are badly written (esp. the 'scratchy blanket' issue, which is probably mostly my own hangup), they more like small hiccups that don't ruin my overall enjoyment of a story, just distract me momentarily. Sorry if I come off as intolerant! And I do agree, the skimming/back button combo is a lifesaver!!