ducktapeguy - I think you nailed it with the bigger is usually better thing on fire extinguishers. As long as it remains compact and light enough to have handy, limber quickly, and use efficiently.

Heavy leather gloves are a grand idea. I may slip a spare set of welding gauntlets in near the extinguisher.

I think you are right about extinguishers delaying a fire. If they don't put out a fire they might buy time to get people out and call for help.