Jeff,
Sounds like you been working hard.
I've also use come along when falling a tree many of times,indeed it seems like slow motion when the tree creeps down ward.
I try to hitch about 1/3 of the way up from the stump and always keep and eye open for widow makers.
Have you ever try a rolling hitch,for in most cases it really loosen the stump as the tree falls.
Be careful and send a picture.
Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif