Excellent, excellent article John Wallace! These thoughts need to be expressed and understood.
I would add only that I think it a mistake for AE to have altered strategy by circumnavigating in an easterly direction, and here's why: Lae to Howland is over 2500 miles; Honolulu to Howland was only 1800 miles, and with a tailwind, which would have made Howland a much easier target with or without DF equipment. Then Howland to Lae would have been easier because of the significant and detectable land masses towards the end of that flight, not to mention the possibility of homing in on AM radio stations at Lae with the DF equipment. Furthermore, daylight lasts longer when you are flying Westbound.
As to "Miss" I would only point out that Amelia Earhart in the radio transmissions that were heard and transcribed by "Betty" referred to herself as "Amelia Putnam", and not just as "Amelia Earhart." Please go back and read her wedding day note to George Putnam. Amelia knew her equal status.