: At what you want Bout 343s writing, but it is impressive how they have
: reconciled numerous things to fit. For example, 343GSs statement at the
: end of H3 and his "last time you asked me" HCE statement makes
: sense now, assuming we're correct about Chief being imprinted with the
: IsoDidact.

I believe that even Guilty's "You are Forerunner" line has been reclaimed in 343-era canon with the inclusion of geas and essence. In the Anniversary Terminals, Spark detected a number of humans with imprints aboard Pillar of Autumn:

343 Guilty Spark: "Greetings, humans, and welcome to Installation 04! Ignore prior warnings, and please continue. I have disabled defensive systems to allow your approach, but you must not exit your ship once you have arrived at the designated landing center. This ring contains significant dangers, and even with your assumed legacy, I must verify the presence and pitch of your GEAS before allowing full access. We have much to discuss, humans."
343 Guilty Spark: "I have been away far too long. You have been away far too long."

I don't believe Spark would be so teasing with his words, even if they were for dramatic intent. Applying that Spark and the IsoDidact were incredibly close, IsoDidact's stewardship of the Halo Areay, and the "Last time you asked me" bit, I think it's safe to assume that John carries within him the essence of the Forerunner. Therefore the rampant Spark at the end of Halo 3 would have no reservations about calling out his old friend.

In any case, it's a million times more interesting than Reclaimers simply being Forerunners with new hats.