@transcendentape Anyway, to wrap this up, that's the "you" I'm really speaking to. Not the general homeowner outside the Midwest, but the contractor or home designer. I really feel like there's a lot to learn from a home built to withstand our climate - even if it's just to eek out a bit of frugality.
This might turn into a video, and if it does - thanks for helping me organize my thoughts!