HEADSPACE (or "bottom-space") is the whole point. There may be theatric elements that lend to the experience or a script of all kinds. But whatever is done (whether in real life or imagination) the goal is to promote the headspace experience.
Theatrical trappings may be really important to some. Personally, historical accuracy, outward appearances or a story line are less important aspects to me -- like adding spice to a main dish. All that is nice, but sometimes distracting from the main course.
There is the idea of power exchange -- submission or domination, powerlessness in the face of pain or death from either the point of view of top or bottom -- or both. A bit of flogging beforehand is nice. Carrying the crosspiece is also fine -- it adds a bit of variety. The exhaustion begins to break down the resistance from carrying it. But the same thing would happen if our victim was tied to the cross immediately. But extreme torture beforehand or during is, in my opinion, missing the point. Gravity and time work wonders. Just have a little patience and wait for gravity and time, and there is all the torture that can possibly be inflicted. So, like, what's the big hurry that torture is needed during cruxing? You gotta pick something up at the mall before they close?
Just hang in there and enjoy.
The main turn-on for me is the spectacle of resistance being slowly drained away. It is something supremely spiritual. Pain, exhaustion, impossibility of escape -- these bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. (And something that goes far, far beyond this -- but there isn't time here...)
And clothes. Pshaw. How annoying that something so unnecessary would get in the way. Really.
Regards, Aaron