thanks for the detailed writeup.
I find the problems people have with their saddles interesting since I don't really have those problems much. I have problems with chafing, but not saddle sores. And if things don't feel quite right in the shorts, I carry single-use chamois cream packets. That is a lesson I've learned the hard way.
I think the reason that people don't use recumbents is much more simple than some kind of bias. I have decades of experience riding a diamond frame, and I'm not going to give that up unless I have to do so. If that becomes an issue, I will switch without hesitation.
I think perpetuum solids are probably the best thing that's happened to my riding in a while. Otherwise I don't eat early enough and get bonky.
Interesting about your average speed at night. This is one reason why I resolved to waste as little time as possible in the daylight. I really slow down at night, mostly because of navigation issues