Fivebells and Katy Steger,
Thank you both very much for the advice.
It turns out that
Daniel's MCTB book puts both my recent and long past experiences into a conceptual framework that makes sense. For example, earlier this month I had one (but only one) experience that was somewhat like what Daniel describes in the "Three Doors". However, based on Daniel's descriptions of many stages, I am now confident that it was not that. Perhaps it was A&P, perhaps not, but either way that disproves SE. His descriptions of the Jhanas also puts many things into a conceptual context that may help me to repeat past experiences and go even farther.
MCTB also gives me some promising avenues to progress both on and off the mat. Thanks in part to
MCTB, right now I think that 2 hours on the mat locally would be more beneficial than 2 hours commuting for a brief instruction in Seattle, but its very nice to know that I have some possible access to a qualified instructor such a
George Draffan in case I stop making progress. I also plan to more thoroughly search the local community for qualified instructors and possible Dharma friends.
Thanks again.
James