Yay, a fellow shoegazer! I agree it's a silly term, but it does a decent job of describing the general "attitude" of the music. It's not "in-your face", like rock in general. It has more of a laconic and dreamy vibe, which makes for some truly blissed-out listening.
Apart from the third last and last band on your list, I have heard and like all those on you mentioned. Here are some others that are worth lending an ear to:
Bailter Space
Skywave
Amusement Parks on Fire
Monster Movie
The Emerald Down
Yume Bitsu
A Northern Chorus
Elliot
The Appleseed Cast
The last three are more on the emo end of the spectrum, but definitely have strong shoegazer leanings. Check out the "Low Level Owl" album, both vol. I and II, by The Appleseed Cast, for the ultimate blend of sparkling midwestern emo and dreamy guitar atmospherics.
I love you for making this thread.