@Otis:
Unsure of the custom paint jobs by the factory... would be a nice option, imo... think more people would take advantage of it if the factory offered it... and most probably would be willing to pay a bit extra for it too just to not have the hassle of doing it themselves as they assemble. And yes, black does/did go with everything... back in the 80's

(I was in high school then, so I know of what I speak lol).
@Mellow:
You are correct about the windy assessment... we are on a bit of a hillside, and the smoke coming out of the chimney does tend to sweep uphill, or roil off non-directionally.
I know most of my wood is too damp, as I hear steam hiss when "burning" hardwoods, and the fir I'm using for starting the fires doesn't generate much heat I think because of the mellow temps and the short liner.
So in theory, I should be able to make a hot blazer if I add the extension primarily, and then wood quality should be improved.
@ begreen:
thanks for the assessment also... agrees with mellow, so obviously I'm on the right track here.
@ overfire:
glad you're osburn is working for you... did you notice anything on your stove like mine, i.e. rough looking end cuts? wondering if mine are anomalies or if it's just par for the course and I need to learn to just "take it".
Wifey and I have agreed on going full tile, no wooden mantle except just adding a bit of depth to the existing alcove... tile coming in hopefully tomorrow, will post when it comes, just for fun... then the real work begins.