re: the sweet tea. I used to use 2/3 cup or more of sugar in my tea when I made 3 quarts, but then I started making a simple syrup instead of using granular sugar and I dropped it down to less than a 1/2 cup. Could probably get it to heaping 1/3 cup if I wanted. It dissolves so much better and you don't have to use as much to try and get it to the same sweetness level.
I am not sure I could get by without sweet iced tea. Iced tea, Dr Pepper, and coffee. My three 'if I were on an island' beverages.