I think you're right about Shylock. I just... don't know what I think of the text. I may have to actually read it now...

i thought that Antonio and Bassanio read that way too...and their ladies did too (and were more badass about it too.)

Yeah, I read a review talking about Portia's jealousy over Antonio, and I can totally see that shining through in hindsight. It explains that whole ring fiasco thing at the end, which kind of annoyed me initially.