Item 1 We are getting closer. In my working life I was in charge of a vehicle product line, and taking risk is not the way to get customers or help them grow old. Having fun at your own risk is another thing entirely.

Item 2. Of course the Shell competitions, which I collected as a boy, were wildly guesswork in the 40s and 50s. Engines generally are most efficient at someplace like half speed. I note that very light throttle you agree is not the best way to accelerate. But WOT (wide open throttle) is not bad over the efficient engine speed range.

I have seen lots of comments by hybrid owners in these pages about accelerating with a very light throttle, and that is exactly the erroneous impression the normal uncompensated MPG meter gives. It SHOULD be telling you to Pulse, guiding you to great MPG.

I do want to say that you are my hero, the guy who says "Inflate those tires!" and I want to stay on the right side of you. But I gotta say what I think I know to be so.