Your ideas sound very interesting, especially the part about wiping off before grilling. I just received an e-mail from barbecuen.com where he suggests marinade ingredients needed l. cooking oil 2. acid(vinegar) 3. Sices/herbs. Oil/vinegar equal amounts 1 c. each, or 1/2 c. each. Spices: salt, sugar, garlic(universal), peppers, basil, organo, dried mustard, onion, etc.
So, sounds like I have quite a few options! Thanks again for your input - very helpful.