There is one trivial case where this short circuiting works (when 2 items are the maximum distance possible).

"two items"? Are items people? Or categories?

What is the "maximum distance"? No categories the same. How can you know that until you have compared all categories for the given pair? What are you short circuiting?

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

In reply to Re^3: Help thinking about an alternate algorithm by BrowserUk
in thread Help thinking about an alternate algorithm by Limbic~Region

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