One of the great things about FR is the in-depth knowledge of folks who have a special interest in a subject -- and their willingness to share it when that subject arises. Thanks for the info on the B-24 variants!
IIRC, the B-24 and the China Clipper shared the same wing design (and its high placement, which, of course, was ideal for a flying boat)...
Otherwise, as you say, "apples to oranges"...
The Davis wing design was very efficient and was a good heavy lifter for these large aircraft. I am continually amazed by the advanced technology of the airplanes of 1930s.