PS -I really like the looks of the OWT timber fasteners (black) by ozco but they're quite expensive - do they actually add more support/strength or do they just look pretty?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are two types of post movement,one similar to a diving board which is normal and another where you can push the post,it moves and stays in that position until pushed back to origional position. In the latter case,tamping soil tight around concrete will help.

I had a similar fence installed by fence builders. It had only one gate, but it had similar movement. I decreased the movement by anchoring the fence to the house with a lag bolt from the inside of the garage which was not yet sheetrocked on the inside fortunately. You would probably need to attach some kind of bracket from the outside to produce a similar stability.

I think I would wait to stain. I believe I waited at least 6 months. I did find that some of my large 6" posts got large cracks (4" ones didn't), but they did not get worse later. I would guess that they would have cracked anyway. I had a couple of boards warp but I had a few extra and I just replaced them.

>>large cracksThat's called "weathered and checked."

Long Fence, here in MD sells weathered and checked 6x6s for as little as $8.00 each once they're either grayed by the weather, or they've started drying from heat. They're just fine, but people want what they think is "new" wood.

I'm building raised garden beds and 2 decks with over 50 of these babies.
I'd also wait to stain, because they'll take the stain better once aged.