Sir @Chuck_Owl , you have given so much to the flight simulation community, that I’m sure that I can speak for the membership in saying that it is a pleasure and an honor to have you join in the fun this year. I think most of us would agree with and have experienced much of what you wrote in your OP. As @PaulRix posted one time that he only flies with dynamic weather, likewise I have been smitten by that practice. Sort of tuns the static mission into the dynamic campaign, doesn’t it.
Learning a little bit about the countries and regions along the route is icing on the cake. Let’s call it being a virtual adventure traveler. Having a loosely defined mission and timetable helps.
FWIW, @BeachAV8R and company also throw us a few other fun and interesting adventures every now and then. Rio 2016 for instance…