>quote: "All I see the water doing is lowering the egt's, which will help in preventing some detonation"<
Yes. This is precisely what we're trying to do.
I think you are confusing applications and the methods used for those applications.
>quote"A higher compression ratio (i.e. more heat energy) is needed to vaporize it."<
I assumed, in a pure alcohol-fed engine, you used higher compression ratio because alcohol allows higher ratios. Actually there is a good bit more of technical chemistry going on than my laymans understanding can, um, understand
>quote: "I am just looking at the facts.....SNIP"<
I have found reality has a way of contradicting theory and reason. Read the facts, but also test them. You might be surprised.
>quote: "I wouldn't be too concerned with the corrosivness of methanol"<
In my system methanol becomes more corrosive when water is added. Over time it will attack even brass and stainless, leaving a white deposit of corrosion. Most Top End lubes contain lead which will poison the oxygen sensor. I have become seriously anal about tearing down and inspecting the system every Spring. I'm always surprised at the deterioration.
>quote: "the only reason the mix is better is because everybody else does it that way"<
I dont know about everyone else. Personally, I followed the research performed 70 years ago by Harry Ricardo. I tried to read his books. Way too technical for me. However, in a nut shell, 50/50 was best... _in this application_.
His work has passed the test of time. I figured there must be something to it.