Everywhere I go it's the same motley crew... ;-)

Great write-up Ryan.  I hadn't seen the Combat buffing stuff and I really like the look of those wheels and the stiffeners.  I may have to bite the bullet on that kit.  Can't decide whether to do that or just buy one wheel and make my own stiffeners to try it out and see if they're worth the cabbage over regular stitched wheels.  I like your arbor that incorporates both systems too.  Well thought out and executed man :-)