You're right on every account. Also, I believe a substantial weight savings could be realized, either through oval section 4130 being used for the uprights, an extruded aluminum, or better yet carbon fiber, should costs come down.
Does the Britten design differ from what you propose? I don't remember enough of the details to compare the designs.
Hey, let me ask you a question I left for Kevin. I'm trying to follow in the footsteps of you both, and further my own education vis a vis "why does it do that" and "why did they make it that way?" I'm reading a book called "Physics for Technology" by John E. Betts. Are you or Kevin trained formally in engineering, or are you self-taught?
I'm leaning toward the latter simply because I have a lot of time in the semi at work, waiting to get into docks, to read. Any recommendations as to books to read would be appreciated.
By the way, as to bragging about being 29, if it will make you feel any better, I turn 30 in 10 days.