Hey JF, just read the Uncut article, which explains what happened back then. Of course, I still think that something superb wouldn't remain buried for 20 years, but I won't go into this hypothesis, because I, too, can't wait for it.
Taking material of more than 22 hours and cutting and pasting together the best pieces then taking some more from older archives (1969!) and piecing them all together, plus recording new drum, bass and guitar parts, plus vocals, it can be interpreted in many ways. No matter. Press buy it now!
The final cut was not described adequately from Gilmour. There were hardly left overs from the wall. Pros and cons was written at the same time with the Wall and they just needed the money so they went with the extended double one, which had a more universal theme as well.
The lyrics of Final cut were brand new and since Roger was in a state of mind to do it quickly and as he desired he was forced to use some themes that rung a bell. All in all, it is a very depressing album with no single like another brick to carry some of its weight, and that is why it is overlooked.
But this new one, as it is described in Uncut, is something different. They wanted to issue a double album back then, Division bell + an instrumental counter part. As they state this is not the BIG SPLIFF but some parts of it are surely included. So maybe some good ideas, but with different direction from the "mainstream" floydian sound.
In the army I used to listen many many things. I just mentioned the PF i used to listen. I also listened to Pixies-doolittle and surfer rosa/come on pilgrim , Radiohead-the bends, P.J. Harvey-to bring you my love, Television-their third album, Massive attack-protection, and some mix tapes from friends or from home, including some of the things you mention . If my memory serves me well it was Tubular bells II, Hergest ridge (which I love), U2, Springsteen etc.
In 1996 I got a parcel at the barracks and inside was Golden Heart! Sent from my petit brother! Since I didn't have a portable CD player, it took me some 3-4 months to listen to it, but it was a nice surprise!