Tim Rockwell

Thank you, this is something I've wanted to try for a while.

Paul,I think the root of the problem lies not in what you are asking of people, but what you are offering. Any system the has a high potential to empower people (permaculture, work-trade, ecobuilding, etc.) is going to attract unpowered people. Unpowered people walk around with a trunk full of excuses why "the world" never lets them get ahead. Powered people see setbacks and unsavory tasks as chances to grow and learn.
    Seems that the easiest way to weed out the unpowered is 1. apply Casie's toilet paper test, and 2. ask them what they have accomplished on their own, if they tell you about all the things they have tried, but "through no fault of their own" where thwarted by " the world", walk away quickly. Responsible, powered people will acknowledge at least partial blame for their failures.

I would try disconnecting both sides before firing it up. If it does spin, too much back pressure can burn out the motor. I've had to replace a submersible well pump because the above ground pipe froze (shoulda' been buried).

It would be awesome to see some thermal performance numbers for winter 2016/17 so far. Or even subjective thermal observations.

There is an interesting idea for carpet over plastic sheeting over earth in Mike Oehler's  "$50& up" book, that I'm looking forward to trying. Other than that, cob/adobe floors sealed w/ linseed oil are very appealing.