I don't know what "factor common sub-statemnts" means.

In several of these exercises I have, in fact, re-worked code, but I'm not ready for any extensive re-working.

Your last suggestion about using "readmore" is certainly worth considering for some posts. I understand what you're saying. But I'm still at the early learning stage, and posting this longer, non-executable code block allowed me to present a specific problem. When I've learned more, I hope I will be able to follow your suggestion.