Fair comments, I don't use Vishays either, Caddocks easily see off the 102's, though not cheap :-( again metal film, though the new tinfoil/film melf replacement smt's are rather good

Been Patient with b/g's for years, some psu mods yes thats about it.

Jensons or TFTS

Bypass, only one cap will do (V-caps), though space is a problem (isn't it always)

Yes analogue filter pays big dividends, as does ditcthing op-amps and going fully descrete. I don't have any opamps driving outputs at all in any of my modded players options for global/local feedback too

Current to Voltage converters are one way (wadia do this with the swift current I/C)

they are a few others.

good luck on your project Dave.