One of the benefits of broadcasting a digital television signal rather than analog is the ability to send more than one program in the same channel bandwidth. You're seeing most broadcasters take advantage of the additional capacity. For instance, KING, KOMO and KIRO have each added a second network feed, (old movies, old TV shows and a sports channel) KCTS has added a Spanish language channel and the PBS-Create network.
To get a more reliable signal, outdoor mounting is usually best. The panel antenna can be wall mounted. Various hardware options exist:
http://www.3starinc.com/antenna_wall_mounts.html for example, satellite dish J-poles can also be used.
To combine the old VHF antenna with the output of the UHF panel antenna, use a UVSJ:
http://www.3starinc.com/uvsj_uhf_vhf...or_joiner.html
Your TV Fool report is one of the best I've seen here in the Seattle area. You enjoy a clear line of site to most every station.