Apart from your excellent insights, I also observe that the Fool frequently emphasizes the need for independence in one way or another when it appears in a reading.
The Marseille translation of the Fool, "Le Mat," is worth seeing if you wish to go further into its significance. The Fool doesn't seem to care that his dog is nipping at his feet in that version. Being the final card in the Tarot, it represents the Fool's path toward spiritual enlightenment after he has completed all of the Major Arcana. Since he is aware that nothing is permanent save impermanence itself, he is not concerned about the Tower collapsing. He has discovered that material possessions are merely temporary, thus he has learned to let go of them. He travels light, trusting that the necessary things would come to him at the appropriate time from the Universe. He is happy with himself and doesn't see the need to pursue material gains or amass possessions.
He learned from the Devil that pursuing pleasure might result in attachment, which can then lead to servitude. He gained the ability to make sensible decisions and deal with life's ups and downs with Justice and Temperance, understanding that everything that occurs is a necessary step toward achieving his ultimate objective. He learned from the Hanged Man how to let go, find calm, and view things differently—accepting that sometimes you just have to accept things as they are. He learned that he doesn't have to be in charge of everything and can just go with the flow when the Star and Judgment showed him the divine aspect of existence. At last, he passes through the World's gate, ending his trip and beginning a new one in which he will be more responsible, separated from worldly worries, and ready to embrace whatever life throws at him.
The Fool, the first card in the deck, stands for limitless opportunities, a new cycle, and the necessity of letting go of the past and adopting a fresh viewpoint. He is joyful and innocent at the same time, not quite knowing what he wants or where he's going. Deep down, he has faith that everything will work out for the best even though he is a profoundly immature person who is living life without knowing what joys or difficulties lie ahead. That's the reason he takes risks without fear. He has no cause for fear because he is loved and led. The upcoming cards will put him firmly in the realm of three-dimensional reality by revealing things to be wary of.
This card, in my opinion, represents our soul prior to incarnation—knowing, albeit deeply buried, why we are here and what lies ahead. We move forward because of the inner knowing that no matter what, we're always protected.
