As always--thanks gentlemen. Great comments and suggestions. Being somewhat of a tool whore, I will no doubt go over to HF and find one of those if we get to Joplin before the filter arrives. I could also rent that tool to Blacktopper's wife when she trims his toenails (Jan/July). Haha
I believe a stainless worm gear clamp would be adequate. After all, the pump runs at pressure, but would not need that kind of force for intake, simply using vacuum. So it makes sense, and as Eric says, it's cheaper.
And I am pretty sure the fuel does not erode stainless, so that's not an issue either.