Posted for Sky2high@aol.com:

 Capitan Tuna,
 
 1) Hmmm, I have had a gallon container of mil spec hydraulic fluid  since
 1994.  It is about 3/4 gone.  The chapter could have bought in  quantity and
used
 approved stuff by sharing.  Oh well.
 2) Need I say more.
 3) The advantage of standing still is that things are compatible  forever.
 Well, maybe that slightly overstates the length of time.
 4) Anybody ever have a problem lubricity - K-Y products  notwithstanding.
 5) and 6) Interesting, perhaps your recent weird weather phenomena (drought)
 and climate change indicators, not to mention the possible change in  the
 wobble of earth, have left you unsure about temperature extremes.
 7) Are you sure they don't add cheddar to the fluid for greater  lubricity?
 
 BTW, Motorcycle fork oil (20W) is inexpensive, available and works fine in
 the nose strut as that is the recommendation for servicing.
 
 But, it is an experimental aircraft.
 
 Grayhawk