Dude, that's a solid setup. I just use a mason jar with the ring screwed on loose, works fine for me.

Planning is just guessing anyway.

Actually, a bench-top jig for crosscuts on long sheet goods is still pretty sketchy. The real issue is the weight and balance, not just the cut. Even with a good jig, you're fighting to keep a 4x8 sheet from tipping the whole setup. A couple of roller stands are a safer, cheap fix for that specific problem.

Seriously though, was the old system actually breaking anything? Sounds like change for its own sake.

Wait, you found the John Muir Trail crowded? That's wild.