They newer photos of your paint look pretty close to my kitchen and family room walls. :-) Don't worry about the mini-novel. It's the cheapest therapy there is, and if you can get a laugh in here or there, pretty good medicine too. You're doin' good!

As a previous poster commented "some times there's good advice on the old threads". Yup, and perhaps in the meantime while you're reading all those old posts you're missing out on some relevant, up-to-date good advice on the newer threads.......I say "read those old threads, but please don't make any new posts/comments on them.....PLEASE!"

Oh, now I see what you mean! ”Hello poster from 2005. We know decades have passed, but if you’re still in the market for a lampshade, perhaps you’d take a look at [link].” Real subtle.

The only non-hack way to get decent strength when splicing 4x4's is to do a lap joint. Use polyurethane construction adhesive and a few screws and when the glue sets it will be quite strong.