Thanks for your lengthy post, Boardlot. You do not claim to be authoritative, but what you say makes sense to me.
Other 'oldtimers' have also posted and I feel somewhat relieved. I was starting to get an empty feeling, like being at a summer resort after Labour Day when everyone else had left!
No doubt, we'll get this thing sorted out together and make the best of a lousy situation.
Regards, Orange Flash