Scott Alexander

I've tried a few times to get an update on the performance of the expansion layer in that oven, but have received no reply.

I would love to discuss the possibilities of helping you host a Cob Oven workshop. I would do this for as little the cost of travel expenses.
With proper planning and preparation, the workshop itself could take as little as a weekend.
This was a weekend workshop: http://www.seapotentialdifference.com/2010/01/10/bee-hive-oven/

Where in Southern Utah are you? I used to live in St. George, and still have family there.