As a shonen manga, One Piece does follow the basic thread of most series. There are fights with some comedy thrown and the hero eventually wins. However, One Piece has been particularly good at using the standard formula and building plots around one another. You can think of it like a series of concentric circles where the stuff inside affects the stuff further out in the circles. I think the "memorable quotes" thread also shows that just about every chapter of One Piece has had its use in the story, furthering the plot, or just being outright enjoyable to read.
Actually, what I am really interested in concerning Asshole A's initial post is that One Piece is predictable. If that's the case, you're exactly the guy/girl that this place needs. You can be the official AP Oracle! We need someone who can lead us along the right track during that key period in between spoilers and the real chapter to tease out information. A very cool position in my opinion. You should consult the forum administrators about being on the staff as the official AP Oracle. Heck, I'll endorse you on it.
I'd like to be the first guy to ask for your prediction, Asshole A. Could you tell me who will be in the Buster Call? You don't need to be specific with the ships, I was just interested in who the Vice Admirals were going to be? Thanks for your help and I await with bated breath for your answer.
EDIT: Well, it appears the oracle is capable of projecting himself/herself through numerous online identities. I guess my question will go unanswered?