Just in case anyone cares about the outcome, it went exactly as expected: pass with changes. I now have nine days to make all the changes the committee has requested. I'll finish the conclusion chapter ('cause I didn't get it done before the defense) -- no surprise there. They also want me to re-work the theory chapter, which will be something of a challenge to get done before COB on the 9th of May.
Somewhat to my surprise, my outside member (Guy Steele -- the same one who's on the Java language reference manual; a Sun Fellow; and an ex-office-mate from very long ago) showed up in person for the defense. He was very positive about the whole thing, which left me walking on air.
After all, he's one of the very smartest people I know. So maybe if Guy thinks it's good stuff, I should believe it...
Xenophon, enjoying the first day I've taken off in two-and-a-half months.