Mack, your tuning idea makes sense, but I use an analyzer, and for better or worse, I think it is the only way to tune. Even my Autek VA1 is affected by the feed line when I have standing wave on the line. I try to tune at the feed point when I can, and would use a tuned 1/2 wave line when I can't. Using an SWR meter usually always insures you will see feed line transformation that affects any meter's results in a negative way---if your system is not purely resistive at resonance, R=50, X=0 or really close.
I go to a lot of trouble to tune---scanning in 100 khz steps to produce a bandwidth curve like I show in my album on Antenna Work Sheets. It is sort of like Bob does with his MiniVA, but his does it automatically in seconds and mine takes a lot of work. My meter is not as accurate either, but I think I can get close with it. When I get close I start tuning in 1/16" - 1/8" moves at times and I can still see tuning differences. I use to make 1/4" adjustments at a time, and I always thought I was passing the sweet spot right-on-by and missing it.
I can't prove to you that any of this makes a world of difference, but I believe it can make a big difference if I can see a bandwidth curve develop a dip.
With a gamma this procedure might not work the same, but I still think small steps after you get real close is the way to go. The tuner on the I-10K seems very receptive to this process, and so did the A99 when I tuned it to 27.205.
What you are doing is fine if you want to work your radio, but if you want to do a super tune like Bob does, then you have to be more careful and test your results with each adjustment. Now Bob indicates Shockwave has a simpler process where I think he builds a special receiving loop antenna and uses a field strength meter, but I'm not sure.
IMO using DX contacts is not a reliable test of gain. In fact using local signals can also raise issues that have to be considered.
