Yes, I see what yuo are saying. My thoughts on taper, were if you followed the trunk past the next joint you refer to, all the way to the top of the tree. Movement is poor from this angle, better form the second photo in post 78. I know the trunk in the photo you reference, is pretty much a cylinder between, the trunk i cut, and the next higher joint. No taper.
So with that in mind, if the main trunk gets cut, that leaves the branch/trunk to the left in the picture you are referencing... My question when looking at it, is how I would position the remaining branch structure, to its best qualities... The main trunk could be jinned/hollowed forsure, and with the left branch now the new tree, I am trying to picture where to take it, and if the transition fro that branch to the main trunk can be made to look good. Seems all the branches on this on, originate from a common point alone its structure. I guess thats what most pines/fir/spruce do in nature so to be expected. I suppose the best thing I can say, is I dont know as much as I'd like to say I do, and am bowing to the experienced here to give me options, and some knowledge on the way.
I am trying to see the options, I'n not opposed to being drastic, not at all. Just dont want to start hacking, and then wish I had that last cut to do over again, if that makes sense.
I appreciate your help/guidance this far.