Great explanation Troy, I watched them make Kingsford briquettes on the "How it's made" TV show. I have tried different brands of lump but can usually find Royal Oak consistently at Wall Mart. I get a lot of stares when I roll a cart loaded with 6 or 8 bags through the store. Sam's Club has lump occasionally that works good, but they don't always have it in stock.
Fuel (lump, briquettes, wood or gas) for the fire can be what ever you want it to be as long as your happy with the results. The fun is experimenting with it and the food to find what works for you.