Great thread. Concerning the friend who supplied the TOS Tricorder hood, I believe you said in another thread way back that he was the replica maker "James T. Kirk"?
Maybe you can solve another mystery for me, not about props but a moment in the film itself. A road sign with the original Star Wars logo on it is blown up. What the heck was that about? Is it a statement about SW, or just a way to get a nod in there somewhere (despite it being destroyed)?