>    I have a feeling that there is a "build_release_installation_cd"
> script somehwere which would answer all of my questions at once, but I
> haven't found one. If anyone knows if it exists, and where, then please
> let me know.

The src/etc/Makefile has an "iso-image" and other targets for building the 
CD image. Also ./etc.amd64/Makefile.inc has some specific settings for it.

I don't think it answers all your questions. It has been a few years since 
I made my custom CDs.

  Jeremy C. Reed