Wire antennae in particular.. Is there a preferred material? Copper,
steel, stainless, etc?

If copper is better, for whatever reason, is it best for it to be bare
or would I benefit from an electrical wire with either plastic or
varnish insulation?

Guage.. am I better off with a with a 10 gauge wire than, say, a 22
gauge? If thicker is better then where is the limit of gain?

John