punkalouver,
I thought you were bowing out of discussion because you had said everything you had to say? At least, that is what you said.
Having done that, I think it quite appropriate for others to summarise the issues you have addressed and the issues you have not addressed.
I also think it appropriate for others to correct your misrepresentations of their positions.
I see two different goals in this discussion.
Yours: you wish to derive advice to pilots from your understanding of TCAS
Mine (and that of, if I may anticipate, joernstu, bsieker and ATC Watcher): I wish to understand the technical workings and weaknesses of the TCAS system. And by that I mean not only the kit, which is nothing but an information device, but the entire collision-avoidance system, which can be considered to include pilots and airspace, regulations and controllers.
Somehow, you seem to think that I (and others) are attempting to derive advice to pilots. I, on the other hand, thought you were attempting to understand the technical workings of the system. That is, each thought the other shared a goal with him. I no longer think that is the case.
PBL