Hello from So. Cal
Welcome to FABO! You're going to have fun here. You're right, great people here and almost all will take a joke aimed at them. Like everywhere you'll occassionally run into someone who's got their underwear in a wad, but very rare occurrence here.
Sounds like you've got a wealth of knowledge to share...and almost all of us will listen. Your technique on porting and pushrod tubes sounds right on. Wish you were closer to Orange County so I could learn more. Do you still do this type of work?