Clifford - thanks for posting my photos (I had no idea they went into an album!)

The first picture is similar to the Quando QR on the Blix. I have read up some more on QR design and now understand that this indeed an open cam QR. I'll call around to the nearest LBS to see if they might have a replacement QR with the right length and diameter. Anything else I should request?

Is it an issue that the left dropout would appear to be barely on the hub axle (please do correct me if I'm using the wrong terms)? Does this confirm Andrew's theory?

Thanks again for keeping me safe! I had a bad bike wreck many years ago on a faulty rental bike. I am hoping to rebuild my confidence so I can manage the hills all around.

Kermit