Richie, thank you for the thorough explanation. I agree with what you're recommending and would add a few more things:
The spade connectors with the red sleeve are a better fit for smaller (16-20) gauge wire. In addition to online, they can also be found at auto parts, home improvement, and hardware stores.
Crimping them with pliers sometimes works, but in my experience crimpers make a better connection, matching the connector sleeve color to the corresponding color of the concave notches in the crimper jaws. An assortment of connectors and inexpensive crimpers are often sold in Kits.
18 gauge stranded speaker wire is typically more cost effective and would be sufficient for a small layout only running one locomotive and a few lighted passenger cars.
Another tip is after you strip insulation from the wire end, give the strands a little twist, about 180 degrees or so without expanding the diameter, before you attach the spade connector and it will give the connector a better grip on the wire.
