Interesting academic discussion here. I love it--learn something new every day :lol:
But, at the risk of getting permanently banned from the Brethren, let me suggest this.
Do not stress over the bricks!
I have never, ever added bricks and produce more heat and smoke than I can use :lol: Stable temps also now that I use a charcoal basket :lol:
Now, maybe if you have super low air temps or high winds, they might come into play.
Also, I know one of our most experienced members told me he had a lot of severe rust under the bricks. This was caused by not removing the bricks and cleaning the area thouroughly. The acids in the ash sat there and corroded the firebox. I do not know if that discussion was public or PM--so I will leave it to him to clarify if he wants.
I am not saying they are not a good idea-- in any way.
What I am saying is:
The Bandera (or BSKD) are "sheet metal smokers" and will never be a Klose or Lang--no matter what we do. Believe me, I have spent too many hours and too many $$$ trying :lol:
If you take either smoker, add a baffle of some sort (to stir and distribute the heat/smoke), and raise the firegrate (to allow the fire to burn cleanly)--your will have a nice Que session and some good eats :lol:
Most of the other "Mods" are for those of us who are obsessive and each one just adds an element of "improvement" to the cooking.
But, they are not necessary to COOK :lol:
You will do just fine without them while you sort out the other stuff :lol:
A lot of us just get "obsessive" in our pursuit of the perfect smoker--even when starting with a $200 sheet metal one (which I love) :lol:
JMHO.
TIM
ps--let me know if I am now banned so I can go to the chilli or pressure cooker forum