Slim, I am glad you put this all together. Yes it is a pain because this is a very long thread but I don't know how you would have separated it. Once again, I am glad it is all together.
Now, who wants to read all 43 pages and summarize the comments on:
What causes salt depletion.
Proof of salt depletion.
Role of those with stakes like BLM, STS, SCTA, press, us whiners etc.
How to stop it.
I would nominate Bob but the thread length would double