--I think your analysis is right on the money.

Many of us--I would say most of us--who have neuropathy, from whatever cause (diabetic, toxic, autoimmune, whatever) seem to be far more prone to additional neuropathic effects from compressive forces that might not otherwise bother a "normal" person. I've written before how diabetics and people with vasculitic conditions are much more prone to carpal/tarsal tunnel effects than others; this "double crush" phenomenon works by adding pressure to already compromised nerve fibers, exacerbating already existent symptoms or producing them where there were not before. I suspect my radiculopathy symptoms are increased due to the already existent damage to my nerves, and so on.

In Alan's case, he certainly has other things going on, and his neuropathy has an immune component on some level, but taking away the additional forces of compression on his nerves may just reduce the pressure enough to provide good symptom control--and hopefully with the IVIg the other processes at work can be controlled, too.

You yourself have sort of noticed this, in a way--that lovely instrument that got your feet buzzing that time likely added compressive/constricitive forces to your neuropathic processes and upped your symptoms. You may find as time goes on that shoes that allow your feet "de-compression" room make a difference as to how often and severely you feel symptoms. Shoes designed for diabetics are supposed to take this into account, of course.

You might go the cotton ball--or felt/fleece covering--route--imagine if you both had cotton balls between your toes at a doctor's appointment. (A good conversation starter, at the least.)