Newbie,
I am also surprised no one has commented on your post. To me, it seems very informative and interesting.
I have also been trying to figure out how to take better indoor portraits with a small studio set-up that I have, and some of your tips are things I will have to keep in mind the next time I try a shoot.
I think your pictures turned out nicely, although the black-and-white one seems a little soft in focus.
I like the lighting in the photos, and the way you describe where you put your lights is helpful.
Hopefully others will add to your post. And don't be discouraged by the lack of response ... please keep up the good work posting on your technique!
(Maybe it has something to do with the reformatting of the site...people may just be still trying to figure out the new set-up.)