You wrote: "I think it would be interesting to use a syringe (ulcergard or otherwise) with something like coconut oil as a binder/carrier to help the pills move out and clump them together. The oil wouldn’t affect the coating or capsule at all, and as long as it’s cool, would have a paste consistency. "

I’ve tried using oil (tried different oils) to pill my guy (back when I was trying to pill SAMe without crushing) and ugh, that went over like a lead balloon. Out of frustration (watched some methods on youtube) I held his tongue in my hand, held it off to the side and (gently) pulled on it, put the pills in as far back as I could go (as in up to my damn elbow) and then let go of his tongue. It took him a little but he was able to spit them out too. Heheh I was so frustrated I asked my vet if SAMe administered as a suppository was an option!!