With regard to Volvo strength: I did (have to) drive around 35 rural miles more without coolant going to the head.
I had my son in the car and in the end we were safe, but Volvo burned to a cinder. I have to thank the car in this case for not ditching me (as so many British cars were apt to do in my younger days.)

I was originally thinking that many cases can't blame the driver for these events. This car had 90k miles on it when bought yet in the past 20k miles with the help from people on websites, I have done:
timing belt, pulley and tensioner
bevel gear angle gear oil
seals in sump
filters air and oil
ran semi synthetic
crankcase ventilation
trans oil
brakes
ABS resolder

I wonder if (I let the) water pump fail because I didn't replace that. :o

I might add for the technical aspect that the head off didn't need many tools.
The head remove was roadside. It took 1/4 and 1/2 sockets mostly 10,12, and 13 mm - 1/2 inch; screwdrivers and star torxes.
I did learn a new technique for getting off the hose clamps. I break off with screwdriver and hammer. It worked twice and is quick and painless, placing driver flat point to the top clamp bit side on and give a firm but not too hard smack and it pops open.

I have recently received the DICE VIDA in the mail.
I did peek at a few 'dodgy' Volvos out there. They are getting old these cars and need maintenance. There are three around here with trans issues. Armed with the OBD software the shops use, I could detect and fix.
I might take my OBD handheld around and see what I can do.
There's a one lady owner 1996 960 6 cyl for sale reasonably priced. It seems to have good interior.
Confidence can get pretty high. Hope to write again soon. Thanks for the help yesterday. That is, my yesterday, your today! I hope it is a sunny Thursday in (if memory serves) Michigan.