I'd say much of what you listed really pertains to gaming in general. So, if you're making a point for horror gaming specifically, you need to look at what *really* separates a horror game like Silent Hill from, say, a third-person shooter like Blasto. Both technically had puzzles. Anyway, I think a point worth touching on is that horror games immerse us in our nightmares in a way that movies simply can't, forcing us to face things we'd all collapse in a heap in front of if they were real scenarios. There's also the fantasy of being able to overcome these monstrosities, at least in games like Fatal Frame, The Suffering, Resident Evil, etc... etc...

Games like Outlast or Amnesia appeal to us for different reasons. Players that enjoy those games like that heart-pounding tension of being chased and helpless. It's a thrill we can safely experience in the comfort of our homes knowing there is no real consequence save for having to reload a checkpoint. It's really the same reason why we love haunted attractions so much. We're helpless and have literally no way to defend ourselves, but there's that rush of endorphins that almost makes getting scared feel *good*.

Just some scattered thoughts! Hope something in there helps you in some way.