Alright - reporting back since running out to Advance Auto Parts on my lunch break yesterday....
Bought the BWD brand FPR. Swapped it out right there in the parking lot in 5 mins. Fitment is great, no leaks, NO NOISES. Didn't have my fuel pressure gauge with me and didn't have time when I got home as I had 2 late night softball games. Runs strong and no hiccups from a dead stop and ripping it up to 80MPH.
Anyways...seems as if the BWD brand cured the fuel straining/vibration sound altogether, but yet to check if the fuel pressure is up to par. I still have a very slight idle shudder every now and then, but totally manageable at this point.
About to go on work travel for a week and a half, but I will report back after checking fuel pressure with new FPR....