It is good to be able to recognize charming tales and other biases and influences in a narrative. Having them pointed out counteracts the readiness of people to take things at face value. Knowing that something is a tale does not have to take away from it.

I don't know what irked you about the other comment, but I think there's a positive side to it.

I think it still works fine as a parable, and it doesn't hurt to know a little bit more about how the trees are Oxford are really kept.