As I've said before, I think it would have been more effective for all concerned if

If Nolan really wanted to send the studio a subtle dare to try to outdo his take on the Batman franchise, leaving that scene ambiguous wouldn't have worked. Also, I bet there would be more people complaining about Nolan "mind-fucking" them had he crafted the scene that way.

IMO if Nolan hasn't done Inception before this, no one would question the final scene this much.

This.

Anybody remembers a scene near the end as with Batman, Catwoman, and Commissioner Gordon looking on? The camera frames the trio in such a position that the effect is comedic. I kinda expected them to tilt their heads together in unison

I chuckled when I saw that and my wife commented about it as well (she didn't chuckle, but she found it funny).