WOW!! chockful o' stuff! and info!
Sounds like you had a fab time and details are really appreciated. There are some cranky folks in ATL. Of course, everyone is entitled to a bad day now and then, that was inexcusably witchy. (sounds like powerr tripper to me!)

Good move to do the Dubai thing. We did same with zed on Emirates from JNB. (our worst flt EVER) but the DXB/ATL trip 7 w/beds is a treat. If you need to do that again, I have a good hotel recommendation right next to the gold and spice souks in the old part of city, near the canal.

Thanks for the report! Welcome home.