I agree with the points you've made, for the most part, concerning the use of the word "dread" for Caucasian matted hair. I did want to bring it to your attention that the "polish plait" seems to have cultural significance in European society (tumbr won't allow me to cite sites), so there seems to be some precedent for such things, however differently named. Out of respect, since I am of mixed Amerindian and European descent, I call mine "Elflocks" instead of "dreads".
I know what you're talking about with the polish plait. I also know the Celts and the Vikings had something similar to the dread. As I said in one of the earlier posts, not the dread, but similar.
I also want people to know that my opinion was just that. My opinion. Truth be told, my life isn't affected negatively because a person's hair isn't done in the way that I find aesthetically pleasing. I mean, it matters a little that you're gonna name something that isn't that something, but like, let's be honest here for a second: is some random stranger on the internet really going to change this kind of thing? Not really.
But, I actually find the name 'elflocks' kinda cute. Ssshhh. Don't tell anyone, or I would will deny it forever.