When it comes to wordplay and hidden readings of names and words in Japanese, how often are "punchlines" found in the phonetic readings?
Like Ayanami Rei. "Rei" is spelled with kana, but "rei" can be read as zero.
Or, Ikari Gendo. Even though his last name is spelled with the kanji for anchor, "ikari" can also mean anger.

Would a Japanese reader notice this as well? As both alternative phonetic readings may suggest things about their personalities, etc.
Just wondering how far do authors go with this stuff. Maybe they focus on the kanji and never exploit homophones?