Hi friend. I really admire you for what you've accomplished here. One is naturally going to improve as they persist in an activity, but your progress shows real dedication. I'm not a racer, and truthfully not much of a gravel rider. I attend three organized gravel rides per year, plus some solo. I ride a repurposed '80s MTB, but I've ridden gravel on my cargo bike, and have done a little on some other random old bikes. Having never ridden a purpose-built gravel bike, I tend to think any bike that can fit a tire 30mm or wider can do OK. So for the little bit I do, I can't justify a real gravel bike. You haven't inspired me to compete--that's simply not in my nature. But I've been casually on the lookout for a ballooner frame for a more all-road focused Klunker type bike. I never considered running anything other than 559s, but seeing how nicely the 40x622s fit, the wheels in my head are turning. As if I didn't already have enough things competing for my meager bicycle funds. Anyway, nice bike and admirable effort. Looking forward to seeing more of this.
-Wilson
