Since there is seemingly a Lore-Based explanation for nearly game mechanic....

[Belhi]

this is what I am looking for.

basically, channeling Aether into our Weapons, for example?

Pretty much. It depends on the class. I'd say WAR is the only one Im not entirely sure about because the nature of the 'inner beast' isn't completely clear. But for all the others definitely. Aether is in everything we do. Just consider the importance of crystals in the games narrative and crafting. Crystals are literally Aether concentrated into a physical form.