Re: VAB
It's true the amount of time the Shuttle spends inside the VAB is minute compared to the OPF or even to the launch platform.
Of course, changing the process would be very costly, but what about moving the various cranes inside the VAB, out to the launchpad (on wheels), and use them there to bring it vertically; also use those cranes to mate the ET and SRB's and Orbiter. Hmm, maybe not practical, but ,still, the Shuttle really doesn't stay very long in that famed building.
Raoul