Hello and Thanks Bristow.
Since 99% of the folks I've assisted came to U/M from the 'w' thing - any with LAN experiences were all quite accustomed to open, very simple file sharing...
So:
My preferred goal was aimed at duplicating that idea as closely as possible.
When there is just a small LAN with several users and the focus is upon working with documents and NOT with internet stuff, there is every reason for said files, directories & partitions as are needed to be fully unsecured and wide open for uses.
Sadly for such folks' needs Linux DEMANDS to secure - secure - secure EVERYTHING as mush as possible as a sort of baseline;
Superb when internet centered of course - but for these purposes ??
A real, genuine pain (and truly excessive).
Still I am glad to have found out about & put SSHFS into place because it is the closest approach I could find to open file sharing & makes U/M into a more user friendly environment for folks who are devoutly non-tech oriented.
I knew for some years that things were coming along for the 'w' stuff which would create a need for me to leave it behind - both occupationally and personally (since UCITA, ~1998) as it became 'rentware'.
That is very actively in progress after their transitional OS things worked their users into accepting ever less & less control over their own PCs.
Makes me glad to be 'an old guy' who has made the complete journey AWAY from such poor (IMO) OS choices - and the folks whom I remain connected with for support purposes are also quite content to have all but completely forgotten the incessant needs for rebooting along with the periodic BSODs, which are missed by...nobody, EVARR !!
Best Wishes to You in Your Efforts.