K7ITM wrote:
... the current at other points in the antenna does not
need to be in phase with that feedpoint current to yield a purely
resistive feedpoint impedance.

It indeed "does not need to be in phase with that
feedpoint current" but EZNEC says it is pretty
close to being in phase.

Here are the currents in 10 segments of a 1/4WL
monopole. The current phase varies by only 2.62
degrees in 90 degrees of antenna.

EZNEC+ ver. 4.0
Vertical over real ground 4/13/2009 9:17:57 PM
--------------- CURRENT DATA ---------------
Frequency = 7.2 MHz

Wire No. 1:
Segment Conn Magnitude (A.) Phase (Deg.)
1 Ground 1 0.00
2 .97418 -0.40
3 .92577 -0.80
4 .85611 -1.14
5 .76657 -1.44
6 .65894 -1.71
7 .53532 -1.96
8 .39796 -2.20
9 .24889 -2.42
10 Open .08785 -2.62

--
73, Cecil, IEEE, OOTC, http://www.w5dxp.com