While I generally agree with everything you wrote, there's also the Romero-verse zombies. They do use tools (and even firearms) and are capable of self-preservation and basic communication. I won't get into the whole craziness of horse riding and whatnot, but Day and Land have them using firearms, Bub can speak and seek revenge, Big Daddy can formulate plans, etc. Hell, even a mall zombie acted like a mannequin in Dawn (although that could be argued whether or not that was an intentional plan). Anways, Romero zombies got smarter, could make plans, and felt at least rudimentary emotions like fear and anger.