No need to apologize for what, in your mind, was a long story.
It wasn't. And besides, thats what we're here for!
Reading your post, it seems to me that it may have been a dirty/clogged fuel filter.
That being said, I'd get to a nice, clean, gas station, preferably a Sunoco where you can fill up on 93 octane, and see how the car performs for the rest of this week.
If the "whining" from the rear persists, I'd look into replacing the fuel pump for peace of mind.
I hope that helped?
(PS Don't hesitate to ask questions!)