Long, long overdue here, and I apologize for that, but wanted to say how much I enjoyed this!  It goes without saying that I thoroughly embrace the notion of Sauron as scientist-engineer, and you've done a great job with that!  Very much appreciate your vision of the Dark Lord and his keen intelligence.

This is great, and true to the process of invention, particularly when it's a very powerful invention, and that if it had not been for that safety margin...I know I'm a broken receord when it comes to the comparisons to the Manhattan Project, but I can't help but be reminded of Enrico Fermi's concern that the atomic blast woud ignite the hydrogen in the atmosphere, and that would be that.  

Needless to say, I very much enjoy your portrait of Mairon as inventor/engineer and not a mere one-note bwahaha villain. :^) 

Fascinating insights into both the process, combining engineering and sorcery and smithing, of the creation of the One Ring and the even more complex working of Sauron's mind.  

Sauron is a perfectionist - that makes sense.  

I love the bit about Melkor backing away from a screaming spat with "bat-crap crazy" Feanor (and where can I find that "Sauron's Blog" fanfic?).

I didn't quite get whether the Ring would continue to burn Sauron's finger and he would have to continue using the salve (and I love the Chief Assistant, btw, and hope that Sauron gave him a promotion), or it was a one-time effect.

Love it that Sauron still wanted, however impossible, his old master's approval, not Melkor's, but Aule's approval.  This Sauron is definitely still Mairon the Maia, though fallen.