The article does mention the Aberforth thing -- maybe meeting Aberforth Dumbledore, a man without a brother, in the past, is what *gives him the idea* of becoming Albus.

I see! Thanks for pointing me in that direction, I agree it could happen that way.

My primary problem with it is an aspect of 2) -- Ron and Dumbledore really aren't much alike in terms of characterization.

I can see "Albus" as a form of acting, a persona Ron's adopted. The eccentricity is laid on with a trowel, after all. But yes, he'd have to be a pretty fine actor not to appear familiar to Harry in CoS.