Pops
Welcome to the BB. You are already showing signs of the right type of humour to survive here!
I think your honing idea is great, as long as the belt is indeed smooth and does not wear away any important parts ... of the sander. I am not sure if I am as keen on using the rounded section, however. I have done much honing in the past on a leather disk (which I chuck on my drill press), and found that it is harder to use than a flatter, longer surface.
Where about in Perth are you? We will have to get all the Perthites together again at some stage. We have done this at the Woodshow before.
Regards
Derek