> Does anyone on this list know the relative merits of flax seeds vs.
> flaxseed oil?

thing to know fatty acids in flax are very instable and get rancid very
quickly . either oil extraction or milling is opening those fatty acids to
be in contact with oxygene , even the best storgae devices invented don't
stop the damage .
you are better off to get full benefit  of buying whole seeds to soak them
in a lot of water for at least 24 hours  then rinse and blender them just
before adding to your meals .( the seeds in water makes a transparent jelly
around them ( not to worry it is normal )
also to note that flax seeds have nothing in particular that can't be
obtained by eating naturally raised  or wild animals fats .
jean-claude