"However if someone has a large bumper osteophyte on their Wikipedia reference-linkfacet joint as a result of poor local control, then that degenerative finding - though not necessarily painful - WILL be significant because it will physically stop the motion at that joint (essentially self fusing). "

Interested in why you would believe that osteophytes are the result of poor local control. When they occur they may inhibit the best and speediest effects of mobilisation, by virtue of their interposition where delicate and inflamed tissues occur , in the midst of protective responses, though these responses , are unlikely to be caused by ostephytes. These occasions require more care and sometimes the abandonment of mobs as the means to short circuiting protective events and pain.
I don't agree that osteophtes are likely to physically stop movements , nor are their presence the likely precurser to fusing, rather they are one of the consequences of long periods of inflammatory activity and chemistry at or near facet joints. Their presence, often seen in company with other degenerative events , lipping , fibrous and other exostoses etc are an artifact rather than cause of pain.

"Having said that, i have not heard of you before nor have i heard of CM until you posted on this forum"

I have been writing about CM and publishing on other furums for a few years now. My first introduction of the CM method was during public lectures during the nineties. I still do these lectures and will be speaking and demonstating again at a forum/conference at the end of the year.
Apart from having a string of students and mentees , lecturing at a local uni here in melbourne last year and what other dissemination I can.

Patients hear about me by word of mouth , which suits me, I have a very large network now after twenty two years in practice. My office and practice is kept deliberately small , in south melbourne.

1. Why no research ?
no time , no money, no support.
2. Mobilisation - is it hitting the level you want?
Confused as to the thread of your question here, do you mean am I specific with the location of my thumb and the intention with each joint?, yes. as far as is possible without turning on my x-ray vision.
3. Spinal innervation - are the levels you believe are the problem REALLY the levels.
Sometimes yes sometimes no, I am thorough in my attention to a group of joints , the intention being to not just bring about a speedy resolution to say C5 type shoulder pain , but to also observe the protective behaviour and restore normal pain free movements to as many as three or four adjacent joints/nerves. By doing so I am removing the impetus for a return to protective behaviour within the region of the cervical spine. best results follow a thorough a wide reaching resolution of spinal hypomobility in general , in addition to those known or thought to be involved in the complained of referred event.