Vey informative thread and thanks to all for the posting. I learned a bunch and wanted to highlight a few that probably have wide application.
1) The connectors: @G3750 mentioned these 3M 558 connectors with the double bite (two clamps instead of one) seem to have an added layer of security. Plus that is a nice surface to squeeze down upon. I had not seen these.
2: the pliers: many good suggestions and price points. @Gilly@N&W noted the self adjusting robogrips and I found these at Lowes. It appears they are trying to mark down their Kobalt line and andf for $15, I plan to check them out today. Can't have too many pliers!
As @cjack and others mentioned, I do plan to use terminal strips where ever I can. For $2.50 and the convenience of the pre made jumper strips, these are hard to beat:
