Not chess related but besides anonymity I think it is worth reminding people of another technical reason that makes CryptoNote coins much different than bitcoin.
CryptoNote uses the Schnorr signatures algorithm instead of Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm used by bitcoin
I think an elliptic curve discussion would be on topic if we have enough volunteers both willing and competent enough to discuss it.
This site offers some interesting comparisons although some of the conclusions (such as those on Secp256k1) may be controversial: http://safecurves.cr.yp.to/
I believe that the ECC/NSA thread you referenced did eventually nail down every parameter used to create secp256k1 and answers most if not all concerns.
Yes, There is a python script that produces every parameter for secp256k1 from first principles, except the generator and both myself and D. J. Bernstein have given the proof that in-advance choice of the generator is harmless outside of restricted conditions that aren't relevant to normal Bitcoin usage.