Speaking of Rarity's family, I wonder if her parents' absence is related to Applejack's parents' absence. I mean, it's only strange because Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are still school fillies, and I also find it strange that Granny Smith is still around, but not Applejack's parents.

I also have this thought about Sweetie Belle retorting back to Rarity "If mom was still alive she'd let me!" and it being all sad and heart-wrenching to Rarity and the audience.