When we employ our measuring devices- how do we distinguish between c+v, c-v vs. time dilation, length contraction? Common sense says a further point of observation will receive a light signal later- that this would be a natural consequence of the observer's motion. But the special theory specifically states that c is independent of the light sources movement. Yet, special relativity demands time dilation and length contraction.

You have good points, at least good questions as I told earlier.

So, again: Problem is in kinematic illusion about "light" and that IS dogma.
No "speed" for "light"! Physics is deeply wrong on that regard. Which means it has no proper light-model yet. And in a way, the long standing TR-antiTR debate becomes totally meaningless. Alternative: think dynamically, think of resonance! What is "speed of resonance"!? Once established resonance is instantaneous.

Also, STR is in a way highly trivial: one can construct as many TRs as one might wish depending on signal-speed. But, that speed has nothing to do with
otherwise metaphysical notions of space, time, mass, charge and so on etc.

How one can expect from "academia" to admit all this? As far as I see, no way. And for me no problem in that but might be for the first time in known history of mankind THIS dogma is able to destroy "civilization". In the end, AE's world (ideology)is most dangerous of all. "They" are dangerous.


God bless...