Dave thank you for your detailed and clear explanation. That's pretty much the same work-around I've been doing with the understanding that switches on grade within the layout, "as built" would differ slightly from the SCARM track plan.
I also agree with you that it would be best to keep the spur grade the same as the switch for a little ways and then ease out of that grade into another if desired. I guess the added complexity needed in the SCARM code and user understanding of the issues involved with switches on grade may be why it is the way it is.