snipped
Turtle:

1: I doubt that every single person reading this newsgroup is an HVAC
contractor. I am sure that there are some people reading that are
consumers like me that are looking for more information.

2 & 3: Yes. There are issues - I am not asking for a diagnosis over the
internet, I am asking for recommendations for reliable, reputable
contractors to come to my house, make an assessment, and give
recommendations (and a quote) on how they would correct my issues. The
problem is, I don't personally know which HVAC companies in my area are
reputable and was looking for some guidance/information.

Call the local wholesale supply houses and ask them "who's the best
tech/installer you got?" (who would they call to have the work done in their
family's home?) also ask friends, neighbors, family, in-laws, out-laws, etc
who they use...and if they have had any bad experiences with other
companies. This should give you a laundry list of who *not* to use and a
copule of good ones to call.