did any require Congressional imprimatur etc....?  that would indicate whether there was anything special attached to the deal...

Given the Countries it is being offered to, I expect that clearance issues for the proposals were sorted out in advance. Perception is always an issue for some of these countries... 

The KC-135 has to be modified on the ground with a drogue basket (which doesn't take very long).  The KC-10 is a multipoint refueller.

 

I seem to recall somewhere that the old CAF 707s carried refuelling pods--I don't know if the CAF have any C-130s outfitted with pods or they've modified their CC-150s with them.

i think the mission profile of 500 odd includies a long "on station" time
a dedicated strike and return would be further

Yes, the old CAF 707s (CC-137) that were retired back in 1997 had the pods.  Canada was once responsible for reinforcing NATO's northern flank in Norway and part of that commitment included ferrying fighters from Canada in the event of a conflict with the Soviets. 

 

Two our five CC-150s (new designation CC-150T) were modified back in 2007 to carry refueling pods.  Some of our Hercs have been tasked with tactical inflight refueling duties but they are not dedicated resources nor are the CC-150Ts as their primary mission is airlift.   Their squadrons aren't even based with or near any fighter squadrons.   I guess we rely primarily on the US for inflight refueling as part of our NORAD duties.