"PS I should add that since the rack replacement, even after 100% alignment, the car has lost the road feel and simple steering it had had. Now, it seems I'm forever making small corrections. (Probably unrelated)."

Try lubing the lower steering shaft u-joint yourself. That alone might cure some or all of your steering issues. It is an easy job. Hardest part is probably finding the u-joint. If you are unfamiliar with the steering shaft's u-joint location, the easiest way to locate it is to open your hood, find where the steering shaft emerges from the firewall then follow it down into the lower engine compartment. The u-joint is just above where the steering shaft connects to the steering rack.

The following might take multiple tries so don't give up after the first one! Park the car on level ground. With the engine idling, spray the u-joint thoroughly with WD-40 while rotating the steering from lock to lock. Try to hit it at various angles and different parts of the steering radius. A couple minutes should do it. Once again, don't give up if this doesn't work the first time as it can take a couple of applications!!

Your mechanic probably doesn't even know about this...:)