Cecil, you don't have to postulate a non linear breakdown within the
dielectric to explain the transfer of energy from the charged particle
striking the surface of the insulation to the free electrons on the
wire... Capacitance will handle that nicely... As you stated, a
thicker insulator makes a quieter antenna under static conditions...
Capacity effect would seem to answer that...
If you don't like that, a charged particle striking the dielectric
surface suffers an abrupt change in motion... A charge changing motion
has it's own method of talking to us...
And, lastly, we have not roundly beaten the water droplet for dripping
off the antenna and taking a charge with it...
"Bartenner, I'll have one, hic, for the road."...
denny / k8do