A lot of comments, and interesting discussions, so this may get lost. However, here goes...

Does anybody have a mathematical model of RC (and Mana, as they are coupled sometimes)?

Just the mathematics and the logic; essentially the pseudocode for the functions that affect RC.

I know they will be inside the code, but I don't read code - before the code there are the concepts. If the devs have created a complex system, then patches may not always have the desired effects as feedback loops start to morph the system.

I suspect there are others on Steemit who have a range of appropriate and useful skills that could be called upon to advise (or at the very least give an informed opinion) on potential icebergs.... and how to avoid them.