Excellent post, it's small details which make the biggest visual impact. When using aerosols leaving them in hot water before use greatly improves paint finish, it avoids "orange peel" effect. Also don't dismiss using paint brushes. For many years I ran a trucking business and always painted the truck cabs with Tekaloid coach enamel applied by brush. The secret as ever is preparation, good paint and top quality brushes. You'll be surprised at the results you can achieve, I can get a better finish with a brush than most amateurs can get with a spray gun.
Fast, reliable, cheap. Pick any two - because you won't get all three!