This was a fun ride through my music of the 80s as well. I don’t think I knew who I was “becoming” until I was in grade 12 of high school (2nd last year) and was introduced to New Wave in 1982. And yes, I knew who Toyah was!

I think I was introduced to Human League, Depeche Mode, and OMD all at the same time. I was HOOKED. No other music spoke to me so much, for many of the reason you have written above.