OP
Cloudbase of CBs are directly related to Temp/ Dewpoint spread of the ricing air , anywere on the planet in a uniform airmass.
As for the rest of the stuff with regards to Equatorial vs the rest I have no experience.
As for sitting in a CB looking out, I have, by mistake!!
The Dornier 328 did not come apart , it never will, it will stall and spin! It didnt!
The Boeing 737-800 is also rugged and we got out swiftly!
I am with Leadsleads old Fleet Cpt: Stay the hell away!
And thanks Lead for making me look up unctuous and ingratiating , must find a sentence to use that in!
Would like to add that most clouds I see have no clear label on them and dont care much about how they are supposed to behave.
Ie, Turbulence, strong updrafts, hail size etc.