Some interesting points for sure - There is book called ‘the other Tiger’ I would expect some insight there.
As for respecting research - of course but I haven’t seen anything that supports what you posit anywhere.
All I have done is use logical reasoning. I can’t see Porsche throwing out some tanks without a floor when competing against another firm that has them.
Fitting an auxiliary motor wouldn’t be too difficult - especially given that it must have been easier to do for electric motors.