[Stealthee]

You are overthinking this. Ethanol has been in fuel for several years now. People just didn't pay attenttion to it. The last time I changed the fuel filter in my Stealth was in 2003 with 120k miles. The car now has 195k + miles and starts without hesitation.

As I have already said, the fuel filter would not cause a hesitant start. There are other issues at hand and it is not the fuel filter.

As for topping the tank off and it not registering properly on your gauge that is likely due to a faulty float and/or sensor.