Moreover
Good Explanation. I agree with everything you said above. But I wanted to one other point. It concerns the busting of stiff hands.
Obviously, in a pack rich in high cards, there will be more busting of stiffs. You noted that, when you said: And the dealer does not have the option of standing on hands he may otherwise hit when the deck is rich with high cards.
I just want to emphasize that this advantage will still accrue if we were simply playing Basic Strategy, and not utilizing our option to deviate. The House has to hit all their stiffs. The BS only hits about 2/3 of his/her. So in a plus count, the dealer will be hurt more than the player, with respect to stiff-breaking.
I think you understand that, but I wanted to mention that for the other readers.