Richard..
             That was a hell of a heap of theory mate....!!!
From my point of wiew, I'll try to respond to your suggestions..

    1st - My guitar does not sound quieter. If anything a tad louder and for longer..... My guitars a Lowden 032.

    2nd - My 'top' feels alive and , if sound is different, then for me its better...louder and more sustain.

    3rd - Too theoretical, therefore for me, not relevant.I have a split saddle and experience no intonation probs.
   
   
    4th - My strings are Rohrtech med tension. whether that conforms to your conception of medium, I cant say and, to be fair, I dont use alt tunings so I cant comment on that one...

    5th - You got some bloody queer fantasies!!(HEE-HEE!)

          I re-iterate..Mine have been hard gigged for 10weeks and show absolutely no sign of deterioration whatsoever...!!! And ,no I dont work for Rohrtech!!!

          All I can say is ..get some, try em and report back when youve worn em out (2005??).
                      Interesting discussion here....

                        Regards to all....Spot