I like the thought process, Jim, but I have to ask - with the first question, there are a lot of assumptions, no?
So, I like the "questioning the conventional wisdom approach and checking it out for yourself" - and then applying your steps...I would note that while my process has evolved significantly over time, I do tend to ultimately apply a cost/benefit analysis in the end, so I have some very obsolete brewery items that no longer get used.
Great discussion and thanks for sharing with us - I use the vitality starter SNS style quite regularly, but if I am racking an earlier batch from primary on a brew day, I am not opposed to a straight re-pitch.