Thank you, this is very helpful. Especially the part about the tile length.

Hell yeah, this is what I want to hear, especially since I'm planning to technically break the rules and go over these tiles. For Tile Lashes, you're talking about these guys?

No worries, glad to hear that you recommend the same thing! : )

That's the current plan, thank you for confirming this part.

Potentially, but what I'm seeing online about using an uncoupling membrane in place of cement board makes it seem like the thinner uncoupling membrane would be a better choice for what I'm doing because it will reduce the effects of minor movement of the material beneath the tile. Seems like the cement board will telegraph and movement or weaknesses directly up to the tile.