Andy,
Glad you and others like the fly but it definitely wasn't my idea - first wire-bodied streamer I ever saw was Alberto Jimeno's version of the 88 Streamer on Hans' site
http://www.flytierspage.com/ajimeno/88.htm
I did an SBS on it, too, based on Alberto's specs; fun fly to tie.
You're modifications sound like a winner; please take some pics when you tie one up.
I got away from Danville for a while (no good reason), but came to my senses and am using it in a lot of my tying again.
Regards,
Scott