This is a heck of a thread. I have 2 small contributions to make.

1. I think there should be a federal law forbidding Cincinnatians from calling their Hamburger Helper "Chili".

2. A good affordable source of good "New Mexico Red" chili powder is the Pinon Coffee Co in New Mexico. When you make chili, use half 'standard' chili powder (which has some misc. seasonings in with the chili), and half "NM Red".

NM Pinon Coffee Co