Thanks, ed! I have been doing a lot of reading on the subject and much better understand what needs to be done ("better" being the operative word ).

So, getting the 32t** bash ring, and the "64 BCD" that replaces the small ring, will provide the support I need to keep the chain in place? And, it would do a better job than the N-Gear JumpStop? I do also intend to have the chain shortened as well just to increase chain stability.

**Would getting a 34t provide a little more resiliance against outward chain-jumping? While I think I'd eventually get a single-speed front chainring for better chain retention, I don't see myself ever going up to a larger front ring than 32. So, if the only benefit of getting the larger bash ring would be protection for a larger chainring, then I will go with the 32t ring.

The "romantic simplicity" is entirely subjective, of course. While a 1x5 requires all the mechanics of a 1x9, there is something about having exactly what one needs and nothing more. But, I am a natural minimalist and do this in every part of my life (...until I moved earlier this year, I did all of my cutting in my kitchen with my pocket knife ).

For example, I just find this minimalist approach appealing (minimalist relative to ones needs--I still need some variability, just not all that much):