I'd like to see if anyone can give me some clarification on some items that impact Vmc

1) When flaps are extended, Vmc drops. This is usually explained in some simplistic terms like "the flaps have a stabilizing effect" which to me is a little too simplistic. My assumption is that there are two things going on. First, the increased lift from the flaps at a given airspeed is contributing to the horizontal component of lift, thus freeing up some more rudder authority. Second, the accelerated slipstream from the operating engine is creating more asymmetric drag and thus countering the yaw towards the dead engine. One problem I see with the latter part is that the accelerated airflow also increases asymmetric lift on the operating engine side, which is increasing the tendency to bank towards the dead engine...so can anyone clear this up for me?

2) When the gear is extended, Vmc drops (usually). There are two explanations - one is pretty straight forward (CG). I understand that if the CG is farther forward with the gear down (mostly depends on which direction the nosegear extends) there's a longer arm from the CG to the rudder, therefore increasing effectiveness. However, the whole "keel effect" explanation confuses me...again because of the "stabilizing effect" simplification. I again default back to the accelerated slipstream in explaining this; if the mains are behind the engine, then the accelerated airflow from the operating engine increases drag on that side, which will aid in directional control. Any insight on whether this is right/wrong?

That's it for now...thanks!