[TowerTalk] How to best determine the need for a balun

[Lew]

Here's the lash-up: a mostly vertical 1/4 wave vertical up through a fir 
tree over 27 radials that has best SWR (1.0 : 1) at 1828 when measured 
at the feed point. After running roughly 350' of RG8 equivalent to the 
feed the best SWR (again 1.0 : 1)  is now at 1858 when measured at the 
operating position. There is no matching system employed.
     Does this mean:
    a) I need a 1:1 balun as the feedline is part of the radiator? 
(Doesn't make sense as the sweet spot should've gone down toward 1800 as 
the radiator is lengthened?)
    b) I've created a wiry outside dummy load? (the few tests done 
comparing a 1/4 sloper and a dipole at 70' with the 27 radial beauty 
with stations on the right coast indicate anywhere from a 6 to 18 dB 
improvement over the dipole and sloper so maybe it's just slightly less 
of a dummy load than the other two?) I do realize that such tests are 
frivolous and mean about as much as some presidential polls given all 
the variables, but gives me a reason to bust in on scintillating 
discussions regarding bodily functions and favorite now dead 
transmitters and new antennea, etc. etc.
    c) I should just shut up and try the thing out and first time I 
can't work a particular station, blame it on the lack of a balun and 
then install one?
     Tnx for any insight from the learned or even the opinionated among us.
    73 and I remain,
     Lew  W7EW/W7AT