The bottom line on the 26er is that I love cooking on it, but I think I will like it better if it is more stable. This can be accomplished if the kettle is mounted to a cart, table, or stand. I am going to attempt to create these brackets out of some scrap material from our shop at work. I will be able to verify the fit and function of the plan before I have to drill anything, so my risk is low. I would be able to use the brackets to mount the 26" bowl on any of my four-legged Webers, so I could leave my OTP for the rotisserie. I have an SS Performer and a recently acquired 2nd gen. Performer that could be candidates for 26" greatness!
And if I don't love it, I can put everything back and deal with the socket.
Unfortunately, I am out of town and it will be next week before I can look at it.