that is a very very good description.
I tried building one out of 300 ohm TV twin lead at one time...tedious and I 
didn't have anything to check resonance or swr on 2M.
I've often thought about building a water pipe model since it sounds so 
easy, but as of yet, no way to independantly check the tuning.
They used to build J polls for 11 meters as well...big, but effective.
I've heard a couple used on ten as well and they always performed as well as 
anything else.  I've heard lots on 2M and even 70CM.
There is the dual band cactus J poll.  I wonder if you have any descriptions 
of that antenna?
thanks very much for sending all these great antenna descriptions to us, 
they are quite helpful.

73
Colin, V A6BKX