Len,

I believe that you are close. Phil Sheridan was a "feisty" litle Irishman who was a leader of men who made mistakes like we all do. He was his own best PR man. If you read the reports closely, you will see his many mistakes. He kind of reminds me of Halsey in WW II if you get my drift, made several goof ups but came out ok. I am thinking of Halsey chasing the Northern Fleet. Or leading his task force into a huricaine.
As for McPherson, I agree his loss was a great one for the Federals. I am sure that if he had survived the war,He would have had a great future. I have some of my great grandfathers writings from that period and he states that losing Gen. McPherson was a true tragedy for the men. He was greatly loved by the troopers.
Frank