Eric,
Great review as always. I especially enjoyed the historical perspective you provided; you have an alternative career option as a teacher.
As much as I think the VL BB is Lionel's best steamer, I enjoy the visually more distinctive whistle effects on the Y6b. They don't become as conflated with the chuffing smoke as they do on the BB.
Also, as a host Vimeo does overcome some of the disadvantages you mention about You Tube, such as maintaining statistics on updates. However, they do charge, but it's free of advertising.
P.S. I think you nailed the quilling whistle.