The best suggestion came from off-line, and involved Mr. Leidy, steroids, and lots of Red Bull ... (Big ROS, get it?????).
Anyway, I went back to the dreaded HD (love/hate relationship) and with the help of a friendly floorperson, went through every individual 6" Ridgid ROS in boxes and on displays until we found one that had a passably functional braking system, and I brought that one home.
The difference between the large ROS and the smaller 5" units I'm used to is amazing. Stock removal is easily twice as fast with the 6", yet it's swirl-free. And almost no vibration, and the noise level is a fraction of my 5" DeWalt or all-time-fave Porter Cable 333VS. I'm smiling this morning .
Thanks for taking the time to respond, guys, i appreciate it.
Cheers,
Bob