Mr G.Khan: Thanks for the help; I tested out the FMS during cruise the other day; regardless of actual temp, the FMS changes time/distance to step and opt/max altitudes when gross changes are made on the wind/temp inputs for future waypoints (in other words, not just actual, but planned temps are used).
Mutt: Anytime you'd like to come to Cairo (or anywhere else), it'd be my pleasure; I really enjoyed that last ride. The Honeywell guide (for which I paid $50 in Seattle) is not very forthcoming on how the FMS uses data, except for an excellent discussion of how actual present winds & forecast (pilot input) winds are mixed for calculations.
See ya!