1) Only found on THR? Not in my opinion. There are other forums out there that specialize in traditional black powder firearms. If you ask this question there, they will also be happy to discuss it with you.
2) Cutting edge? About the rather dubious practice of patching round balls in a revolver instead of using the correct diameter in the first place?
In my opinion, only a subject for argument. And since it concerns only an expedient practice with 1860s cap & ball revolvers, not exactly 21st century ballistics research.
3) In the end, if we are honest, I think that it's just another thread that devolved into back and forth squabbling by several members (myself included) that went on for far too long without resolving much of anything.
Sort of the modern equivalent question of: "How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?"