Just as an anecdotal piece of info: most musicians accept that the human brain can keep track of eleven notes. Beyond that, you can change the scale progression and the transition will be (relatively) smooth to the human ear.
Perhaps you could clarify or point me to some more information on this? Even as a (somewhat amateur) jazz musician, musical pivots have always eluded me.
I've been searching for an interview with Jimmy Page, where he mentioned this and it's the first I've heard of it, but to no avail. Hence, 'anecdotal'. If I find it, I'll post it here.