I won't bother giving the same answer the others have already given, I figure you've got that one answered. As for lowering the SWR with the feed line, that just isn't the best way of doing it. Sure, you can do it that way, but it just moves the 'problem' to a different place, still have the same loss (if not more). The best solution is to tune that antenna correctly, which can be a real PITA all by it's self. I'd also recommend not worrying about getting a 1:1 SWR. If it's close, it's just not worth fooling with. 'Close' meaning 1.5:1 or so.
- 'Doc