Your second point, there should be no bargains, if everything is free and good, then it stays that way. And in actuality, you need not the Green Man

, not Bacchus (for these are where the images of the Devil come from) or wiccans to tell you about what they can do for you. There is reason why we have "junk" DNA, it ain't junk---they are there explicitly so that we ourselves can progress to higher levels of spirituality, thought and physical prowess.
Somebody, some entity telling me that they can grant me shit, but they need something in return is selling me something, and chances are, they are trying to walk away with the better end of the deal.
Afterall, most people today want instant gratification first, or money or knowledge without working for it.
The equation has a = sign because anything you want or truly desire you must work towards. That is what makes humans progress. Civilizations were not built upon people doing what feels good or great, or what they wanted to. In order for humankind to progress, work must be in order, and with that there are set laws, that act as checks and balances.
You didn't get your physiques from eating all the candy you wanted. You also probably set down a structured way of doing things. You had to quell your inner desire to goof off, because you knew, that would hinder your goal.
That is in a sense what the bible is...if you take out all the moralistic stories, life is about moderation, and keeping within balance, yet striving for spiritual Enlightenment...Heaven/Hell are just concepts that peope want give rewards or punishment for not following a certain path. Afterall admonishment and chastisement are the best detirrents for bad behavior.