> the purpose of ThingManager is perfectly clear--to manage miscellaneous or common functionality
Ironic, isn't it? :)
PS. Don't get me wrong - a Manager, or Util, or Helper is not the greatest crime against software design. The intention here is clear, functionality - no, not really. However engineering is about tradeoffs, and it is sometimes practical to have a dumping place for miscellaneous stuff. Just keep in mind that it is a "be careful" territory, those places do tend to turn into ugly and hairy mess over time.