Hey Geoffrey,
I like your style.
I am just a newbie here too. I kind of make myself known to people and enter into anything that interests me.
Having read your idea I can't see it not working. Is good (Is Hans)...
Ofcourse there are people out there that are more knowledgeable than us and must have thought of such experiments in the past. Why we haven't heard any results? Who knows.
Also don't be timid in entering discussions. The established members always encourage you to have a go.
Cheers Marty