optional article placement?

0Hi,02br
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00I think it is stated pretty plainly that one of the possible conditions for the requirement of the definite article01i00 the02i00 is the existence of a post-modifying clause or phrase that is restrictive. From what I know, I think the articles are optional for so-called verbal nouns (I don't know it is the right term) that are nouns that have 'verb' roots when they are used for the first time eventhough they are followed with restrictive, modifying clauses or phrases.02br
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00But some things aren't so clear-cut like these ones below. Take a look at them and tell me if a definte article is optional. How can you tell whether a situation is optional or mandatory?02br
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01i001. (The??) Mainstream media coverage 01u00of the Christian angle02u00 in the conflict focuses ...02i02br
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00Would you say the underlined part is a restrictive, modifying phrase? If so, wouldn't having 01i00the02i00 be correct if we want to apply the recommendation that seems to be given by many grammar sources? 02br
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00Personally, without 01i00the02i00 seems to read better in that it conveys the message that we are talking about the coverage in general but I couldn't quite lay out the reasoning behind it not needing the definite article 01i00the 02i00there.02br
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00How about this?02br
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01i002. (A or the) Knowledge 01u00in history02u00 is highly useful in his attempt to gain employment in university.02i02br
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00Would you say the underlined part is a restrictive, modifying phrase that normally would necessitate the placement of 01i00the or a02i00? 02br
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00As before, personally, the word 'knowledge' without any article seems to be better in that it conveys the notion of it talking about the knowledge in general but I cannot explain to myself why not having any article is the right choice and that is why sometimes I have a hard time trying to deter myself from trying to put the articles in.02br
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00Another example:02br
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01i003. (The) Creativity about methods is highly encouraged.02i02br
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00For this one, I think both with 01i00the02i00 and without 01i00the02i00 would do the job equally well. 02br
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00Do you have any suggestions that will help me see better of the things involved and navigate better in the world of English writing? 0-