hmm, yeh...
im thinking that it would be a good idea to have a sound knowledge of the different conventions of the different subgenres, and examples of how the composers portray these... therefore not only the examples the composers have used, but also the techniques they used to do so..
i think techniques will also come in handy for other aspects, like how the composer builds tension and suspense, and what they do to make you believe - or even just consider - the red herrings.
so, i must say thanks to you for raising this question, coz its helped me massively!!! gettin all my thoughts in the right order n wateva.
of course, it all depends on the question, and how much time youve got, but if you at least allude to specific eg's, then theyll be able to tell you know what youre talking about.. right? (im being optimistic here!!)
so yes - go the tecko's!!!!