Hey there LBD. . . .great post.  May I add one thing about T&J axels?   I use 1/4" no matter what.  I never screw around with the 5/16" because it usually makes little or no difference.  All wheels get a 1/4" axle.  I'm lazy!   :-)    Again, thanks for a terrific post and quite a few chuckles!   You da man!   Oh - - - and Dutchy, if you are reading this, I use 1/4" axles in your great models also.  :-)