Joshua,
I agree with your assessment of what is theory and what is provable
fact.
"Drill" books are nice, but they are just that, DRILL books; somewhat
useless and ignored when actually in the field.
I too, have found no evidence that the 47th Va. lost a flag at
Saylor's Creek.
My focus has been on the Regiment's Color Guard and Bearers. I have
not been able to document any casualties in that group at Saylor's Creek.
You mentioned having evidence of the Regiment destroying their flag
at Appomattox. If you could rediscover that evidence, it would go
a long way in dispelling the Saylor's Creek theory.
I look forward to seeing it posted here in the near future.

Ken