I'm in agreement with everything you said.
I just ordered a Ron Francis universal fit 3rd brake light.
http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TD%2D1R
I plan on trying to fit it over the rear window. Luckily I have a sacrificial cab for such "test fits". If it works there, great, if not I'll try it below the rear window. If for any reason I can't get it to fit in either location, then I'm getting the one in the rear window for the truck.
Any way I go, I'm getting that flasher unit to "strobe" the brake light for a few seconds prior to going LED red. I'm also going with LED brake and turn lights to help brighten up the rear.
The more I can make others LOOK my way, the better.