Thanks for these observations, dpp, definitely stuff I've thought a lot about and wished I understood more about. Also, glad to see more Aussies on here lately, perhaps jsl123 liveblogging from the hospital has helped direct google traffic in Australia here.
Jsl123 you are quick to dismiss this post, but just skimming the article on apoptosis there is a section on viral induction. However, "most viruses encode proteins that can inhibit apoptosis." Might be worthwhile understanding the process if you will fully understand your mystery virus and how to "kill" it.