Most tables have a support channel that runs under the stainless for structure. Mount your pumps from that. Alternatively mount them to something else like a wood structure that just sits on the shelf.
a metallic smell sounds like you scrubbed it too much and may need to help it passivate. You could try a citric acid solution, it's cheap. You need a 4 to 10% solution. You don't have to fill the vessel with it just keep it wet for 30 mins or so and then air dry and rinse.
Remember that a big component in the difference in retail price are the state and local taxes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_taxes_in_the_United_States#/media/File:Fuel_taxes_in_the_united_states.png
Aye, i'm chilling 10 gallon batches with the PC and I think that i use significantly less water than with an IC and can go directly to the FV. Note: I used to use an IC.
So instead of bias you imply it? Here, I'll make this up 99.8/% is 304 SS and the time constant is 0.0000001 so that is the same as 100% copper in LODO?