Earthlinked is being much more responsive this year -> I received word today that they are preparing an Air Source Desuperheater to be placed between our 5 ton unit and loop field. I am glad to be making progress and having a conditioned space in the near future.
Thank you all for your comments - I will keep you updated with our progress.

As one would imagine, I spent a great deal of time trying to understand our issue (this forum included) - I came across an interesting study/white paper from the Dept of Energy (Dec 2001) on Hybrid Geothermal Systems (DOE/EE-0258) - discusses challenging geology and other limitations that obligate the use of an auxiliary heat exchanger (like in our case).

Not the first we've heard of this. Sounds like a reasonable plan. A system unable to employ larger/deeper loop systems can still benefit from an air cooled coil.
Hope it works for you, keep us posted.
Joe

I should say, now that max length is installed, you have little choice. I did not like the plan without first increasing loop size.
jr- perhaps you know something about earthlinked that their designers do not. they say 150'/ton max, not me. you should offer them your wisdom. meanwhile us real world installers will follow manufacturers' installation instructions. it is a code/warranty thing....you wouldn't understand.
joe

As promised -> follow up on our 5 Ton Earthlinked System, now with Earthlinked supplied air source desuperheater in-line (vapor) - works well! The liquid line returning from the loop field is warm at best, not scalding as it was up to the minute the desuperheater was put in service. I will provide follow up after it has been running for a few weeks in the heat (around 105 where the unit is sitting and ambient is at 100 right now - house is cool). Thanks to Earthlinked for responding to this customer's concern.

> they say 150'/ton max, not me - you wouldn't understand

No Joe, you claimed a reason for this, and that's where you were not understanding. But hey, never miss an opportunity for a snide and incorrect remark.

I am glad things are working better.

But i was positive Earthlinked would solve the problem.

And try and keep that thing in the shade.. LOL