I find little to disagree in your beautiful post. The Catholics believe that hope is an important theological virtue. Both despair and presumption are then theological vices. I do not see how one vice is better than the other. But beyond that, I think we agree on the relative role of faith and work in salvation, even when we use different terminology.
Very well said, and thank you for your very kind words. This thread has definitely rid me of many presumptions, and my hope is strengthened. Glory be to God.