Canuckbirdstrike,
I agree with you about what comprises PDA. I agree that pitch angle should not be a factor in its value UNLESS it is higher than that assumed in the calulation of the speed by the FMC in accordance with the entered CI. (Say an aircraft was accidently overloaded everyday by the same amount...... I see that this would, by way of aerodynamic and induced drag increase the PDA).
I agree that LRC is a fixed speed (approximately 0.78M within 2000ft of optimum according to the FCTM) and equating to approximately CI30 (plus or minus the other inputs used when referencing ECON speeds). My reference to it may have been confusing. By definition it provides 1% less milage than the maximum available (CI0). What I'm saying is that in practice I don't think we're saving fuel by going much below it.
If this stuff is missunderstood, then I think it is a good thing to be discussing. Your reference to urban legend... sorry it wasn't one I knew about... just trying to get my head around my own observations.
cheers