The questions you asked seem to have been covered quite well so I'll just add one thing. I too hate the e.s. I look forward to flushing but those e.s. almost ruin it for me. I have found a few things to help though. First, I now mix the e.s. with 1/3 to 1/2 gf juice and the rest water. Still the worst thing I've ever drunk but big improvement. Second, I found that I actually prefer the e.s. at room temperature rather than cold. Third, although things move slightly slower the next day, I have used e.s. only in the evening for my last three flushes, I skip it in the morning and have had great results!