I believe you to be absolutely on target with your understanding of "love" being the correct explanation of "that which is perfect."
It ties in as well with "Let me show you the MOST EXCELLENT way." And I find intriguing your "when I was a child....when I became an adult..."
There is a "deepest" Christian walk, and it is the walk of love. All your scriptural references are on target.
Excellent post.
Thanks!