Now that sort of statement is only going to **** off the people who
have kindly answered your question!!!

I'm not trying to make friends, I'm trying to get down to the truth.

Well, gosh, golly, aren't you the dedicated (not) little investigator!

Nobody seems to agree on anything in this domain, and I have to wonder
why. It seems to be a part of aviation that is filled with mythology,
rumor, and urban legend, but few hard facts appear to circulate, and
for some reason the actual recommendations of the engine and aircraft
manufacturers are often discounted in favor of rumors, which doesn't
seem very rational (although it is a fairly typical human behavior).

There is little need for hard facts to circulate. They are located and
preserved in appropriate places, where you have been directed from time to
time. Presuming, of course, that a troll can ever go anywhere away from his
bridge.

OTOH, this forum is more like a 24 hour airport coffee shop. Since we fail
to meet your esteemed intellectual standard, you are free to leave at any
time. Please stop at the register and pay your tab on the way out...

For my money it is nice to know the in-depth stuff but it simply isn't
necessary to be an aeronautical expert just to fly a light aircraft!

Perhaps not, but it does seem that one must know a great deal about
engines, which I find bizarre.

If you look in the mirror, you will see something REALLY bizarre!

Peter