I make many text files, usually called scratchpad with a some meaningful to me prefix, though always on a computer (with whatever text editor i find first), other wise random scraps of paper (usually 2nd hand office paper) or in a moleskine (yes i have multiple moleskines)

I presume you mean Vacuum tubes, they are alive and well, go an visit a HiFi or guitar amp shop they will have plenty for you.

I am in the same situation, my wife and I can both check each others account, mostly this is done using separate computers, but otherwise separate browser instances (which is annoying).

Though what I would like is being able to create an actual gmail aliases, not just the current username+alias@ style, though that is also useful, just so I am not exposing my account name to people.

ah that may be the only reasonable explanation for this behaviour, I certainly will not be posting anywhere where my real name will be visible.