The term "castle-in-the-air" is actually a term that means something that is imaginary and extravagant and most likely are not realized or carried out. In other words, this is similar to the term "daydream". When we use TV as <span>"castle-in-the-air", the danger for this is that people tend to view something as a reality instead of just accepting it as fantasy. Hope this helps.</span>
This should be a writer's opinion
That is because it might differ based on who was talking. Some might disagree that it has become run-down, or some might say that it has become such way before "just recently".
It's one who is awake, standing up, and presumably alert
to the wishes and commands of the Lord.