That was a detailed account and very well-written! I got a leg cramp just reading it. While I haven't even come close to running that far, I can relate to the many questions regarding the VFFs and bare feet. It just gets a bit tedious after a while. I used to try and explain it, but now I just smile.
If you are ever in the northeast and need a pacer, I will certainly help as long as I can. Somehow I just get the feeling you will finish the next 100-miler you do.