Great read!!

Congrats on pulling through your low moments - it's tough not having the right gear with you, etc. Been there (not on my 600). Anyway, in future you might consider getting a trash bag from a store, gas station or restaurant. Put it under your outer jersey or vest so it doesn't act as a sail.

and you're not crazy for thinking of PBP. I was thinking about it as well right after mine. I still occasionally consider it, but the logistics/cost of the trip are more daunting to me just now. If you can do it, give it a try! You will be able to qualify for sure - you need to stick a 400k in there somewhere, but they don't have to be sequential I don't think.