First of all, I agree with you that the way writers and directors got around the Hays Code showed impressive creativity at times. There are also some bad examples, but overall I wish more films were written with these restrictions.
Our dividing point is what you call the "sublime power in the subtext". With some scenes I'm right there with you, especially in the supremely directed main scene itself. It's in the aftermath that I often found it too subdued, but I think you're generally more attracted to subtlety in films than I am, so it makes sense.
I would like to make a correction, that goes back to Martin's review. Before Outrage, there was a 1948 film called Johnny Belinda, starring Jane Wyman who won an Oscar for playing a deaf-mute who is raped. This results in her pregnancy, which plays a big part in her healing from the attack. Unlike Outrage, the film is as safe and Hollywood as a film on this subject can get, but it's still a rough story to watch.
Thanks for responding.