On Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 7:32:53 PM UTC-6, dpb wrote:
https://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/jrnl/1978/ne_1978_macdonald_chestnutproc.pdf
Proceedings from a conference in which he presented some of his
research; much early work and all you'd ever want to know of the
pathology... 
--
Apparently my previous reading and research has led me to the wrong conclusions. I suppose I should have researched the origin (who stated such) of those articles, rather than what they had to say.
I was led to believe the west-of-the-Rockies trees were fungus free, planted by pioneers before the fungus was ever here.
I haven't read all the (link) proceedings, but it states that, even back then (early 1900s), the western trees were, in fat, hybrids, as you say.
I spoke with Willis Orchards, and several folks from the Ashville, NC chestnut foundation office and they confirmed that there are authentic seeds and seedlings available. The issue may be whether any growing products will subsequently be affected by the fungus.... again, as you stated and what I assessed, as well.
I've decided to gamble on getting 10 two year old plants and see what happens. Might be wishful thinking, but $200 and some planting & care labor is not a major investment. The Ashville folks sent me lots of info regarding soil, planting, care, etc. I haven't read through all that stuff, yet, but I feel a little more confident, than months ago.
My biggest concern, now, is whether the fungus is in my area, which seems to be several hundred miles south of the native range of the original growth areas.
Other concerns for my particular project:
1) Soil conditions are not exactly as lower Appalachian states, but it is sandy soil, not clay.
2) Summer heat may affect growth.
3) A few southern insects, like curculio caryatrypes and other weevil type bugs, will damage/destroy the nuts, themselves.
4) There may be other southern bugs that damage the wood, bark and/or leaves, i.e., maybe as to why the tree's original range doesn't extend to the far south (other than preferred soil type). I would suspect year 'round warm weather and excessive moisture contribute to greater insect activity.
5) No telling what other issues I may discover.
Sonny