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It's a cheap and benign "octane" booster ...

I don't believe that is true. It does not raise the octane rating (unless it's mixed with very low octane rated gasoline. Which may be what you are saying)

and fuel system cleaner,

It will remove the following from your fuel system: Fuel lines, gaskets, seals, and the ability to get the engine to start or run.

And it's not the ethanol which causes the most damage. It is the chemical produced by the mixing of ethanol and water (water vapor accumulated in the tank).

We must immediately outlaw water vapor so we can continue to use ethanol. ; )

True, but gasoline has always had additives (lead, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)

True. And there were darn good reasons they had additives (like lead).

Oddly, though, when they QUIT adding things like LEAD (which the engines at the time NEEDED), they CHARGED US MORE.

It does not raise the octane rating (unless it's mixed with very low octane rated gasoline. Which may be what you are saying)

That's exactly what I said. 82 octane rating, at the rack.

It will remove the following from your fuel system: Fuel lines, gaskets, seals, and the ability to get the engine to start or run.

Not unless you have a 70's or older machine when they used rubber components. Alcohol removes the varnish from your tank and deposits it in your filter or carburetor, it may even clog the tank outlet. Eventually the varnish will be completely removed.

It's not the ethanol which causes the most damage. It is the chemical produced by the mixing of ethanol and water .

CORRECT! Except that "chemical" IS water! There is no resultant chemical reaction, alcohol simply "mixes" with both gasoline and water.

Water is not supposed to be in your fuel system. Before ethanol/fuel, the same thing happened and the gas WOULD NOT MIX with the water. As a consequence, it would run to the bottom of the tank and cause problems.

THE SOLUTION???

You would add some "HEET" (ethanol) to fix the problem.

That's why they used to have sediment bowls with the clear glass, so you could see the water. That's also why they "sump" aircraft fuel tanks (drain from the bottom) before they can take off, as their fuel still does not mix with water.

(water vapor accumulated in the tank)...We must immediately outlaw water vapor so we can continue to use ethanol.

They did.

That's the entire point of this discussion. Modern vehicles are mandated to have sealed fuel tanks TO AVOID WATER VAPOR INCURSION. And if your cap fails, you will start having problems.

Most small engine systems work on a gravity or siphon fuel feed and need a vented cap.....IN COMES THE WATER!