lance-alot is a good one as well, I don't have any problem saving Merlin for a truly stupendous creation. Can't go using up all the 'good' names at first...On filaments, I forgot your second half question above. The valves don't seem to get any where near as quiet as when trimmed with pots. I do hate the hum, and it gets quite quiet when properly adjusted( which is not even close to being difficult ).
50R is a good value. it will run just over .1A with 6V filaments, so get at least a 2W item.
regards,
Dogulas