I find this thread interesting, and have many questions on it as well.

I'll just start with one though.

DL, when you talk about painting the surfaces that are subject to moisture, are you talking about at joinery abutments or the any face that is exposed to the weather? What does one do for say, exposed posts? Do you choose the best wood characteristics to expose to the weather? Is there some other protectant one applies to the timber?

Ok, more than one question.