Great write up (and I did read it all, but I like travel talk)! The other thing I found so odd about the LA / Hollywood area is the truth to the stereotype that almost everyone seems to be a struggling actor trying to get in to show business (especially all the waiters / waitresses and bartenders). My wife used to work in radio and one time we were there with a DJ that does drive time in LA and is syndicated in a lot of national markets... I swear to god the waiter taking our order at the Buca di Beppo in Universal was auditioning for him while serving our table, too funny.
So Cal is definitely a beautiful area to visit.
You should have grabbed a pic of that huge Scientology center that is down Hollywood blvd from Grauman's. They know where to pick their spot