Hi Tad,
I detect a conundrum! We both agree that feelings are an important and necessary component of social life, but hard to "capture" and measure. They lack the substance of the material world. How then do you make your case? How do you develop a science of feelings? Do you want to even try? It would seem you would have to start afresh every time to reinvigorate words. It is a similar problem with biblical interpretation which tries to enthuse the text and a challenge to any preacher who tries to open up scripture and bring life to the text. Perhaps you should be a preacher or poet instead of a scientist. I cannot think of a way out for you at the moment! Good luck!
Nort