I'm not a lor guy, but from the first post you have e682 for universe 1 and wanted to keep your sequencing. So wouldn't you want to put the bridge at the higher unused universe and control the lor controllers. I think XL will handle this way better. And even if it doesn't you have less manual...
Seen wiper motors use for 1/4 and 3/8 inch plywood for a arm or train wheel. You can use simple pulleys to convert the RPM as required. Or even rod linkage can effect rpm. Lot's of options to sort through.
I have a few strings and I like them. True about 10-15 seconds to totally randomize but they noticeably start to change after just a couple blinks. They are only together for that very first blink. But YMMV as it's kinda a personal perception thing. If I remember right they are brighter, 1watt...
Personally I would waste the ports. If one fails, I can unplug it and bring it inside. Move the other arches so they are together again, and plug to the right ports to leave one end or the other as the missing arch. Same with the megatree and have a spare string to replace a failed one. No...