I still need to discover the answer to the question in the first posting, ie:
Windows Explorer: Search view: consistentizing: how to?
Here is the probable answer to the question in the second posting, ie:
Windows Explorer: the view: consistentizing: how to?:
gist: The problem in my case seems to have been that different folders had different 'Optimization templates' for different contained items, e.g. for Documents, for Pictures, etc.
details: In e.g. Windows 8, in Windows Explorer: Regarding your tree of folders, consider how broadly you want to apply the fix, e.g. to be as broad as possible, left-click on the highest-level folder as to which the following instructions apply, e.g. in my case my data is within C:\, and the following instructions don't apply to C:\, but do apply to my folder C:\data. On the chosen folder: right click; Properties; the Customize tab; 'Optimize this folder for': e.g. 'Documents'; 'Also apply this template to all subfolders': check yes; click OK; then customize such folder's View (using the View menu item); then: View: Options: Change Folder Options: the View tab: 'Apply to all folders'.
And thanks in advance for any potential leads regarding the first posting.