lots of good stuff here.

it seems coaster brake people (cbp) are knowledgeable.

i've had a couple in the past 15 years, a nexus 7 speed (loved the shifting while stationary, hated the ugliest shifter i've ever seen, would look nice on one of those kids bigwheels). and a late model, probably chinese made, sturmey archer (heavy, significant drag, grabby braking). i have converted my bikes back to freewheeling bikes. but, then again i have been known to change my mind. it is that close...

oh, and i rode mine with my clipless pedals (i know it's not for everybody)

lastly, i've got the business card of the local "coasterbrake guru" according to the guy at the LBS and i may yet hire him to do his "magic" on a coasterbrake hub and try again sometime. (i'm imagining a cross between sheldon brown and carrol shelby here) afterall i've already got my non-driveside chainstay brakearm scratches.