Jetpilot, on train and on my phone at mo so can't write as full a response, but in a nutshell, I'm in agreement with all your points. It would be nice to see Dani win a championship as he's been bridesmaid so many times. He's on his best ever form at present and if he doesn't win it this year, I don't think he ever will.
As you mention engines, it reminded me of something that occurred to me during qualifying. Is Bradley at a disadvantage qualifying top of the first group, to then go do it all again in the second group for final grid positions?
I understand why qualifying is like this, and think the 15 minute blasts make it exciting, but is Bradley putting his engine under more strain by going out in both sessions?