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... I will use the direct line from the antenna to the basement and hook up a tv before the signal is split to see what happens. Should I just disconnect the preamp completely when I do this?
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Yes, disconnect everything other than the antenna and the minimum parts needed to make the direct connection to the test TV. At the most, that means one antenna, one matching transformer and one coax cable that's no longer than practicality and safety require. The idea is to know with certainty what the antenna is actually receiving reliably. With that knowledge, you can then use the known signals to test additional down stream components and assess the need for amplification. Without knowing that the antenna is or is not producing a reliable signal, you're left guessing, which often leads to making deci$ion$ that make a complicated situation even more complicated.
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Does this idea that I have to catch signals at my back end make any sense? It seems to be working right now with some of my further stations to the west but not all of them.
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Yes. Just beware that reception through the back of the antenna leaves you more vulnerable to multi-path interference. Strong LOS signals are obviously more 'robust', likely to be received reliably... However, a strong reflection from the opposite direction can be enough multi-path to give your tuner fits. The only practical way to find out if this will work for you is to try it.
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I did look into the Jointenna as that seems to be my best option. The A/B option is not feasible for me because I have no way to rerun cable from my basement to the tv's. (Whole house is spray foamed, which makes it extremely difficult.) I would even consider buying another small antenna and a jointenna to get the stations that i want to the west. Just not sure what to get at this point.
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The tinlee AC7 series and CMN7 series products are the items most equivalent to the Channel Master Jointenna. These products are not designed to join two broadband antennas. Rather, they are designed to join a single channel source (which may come from a modulator, cut-to-channel, cut-to-band or broadband antenna) into a broadband feed. The Jointenna and AC7 products use filter networks to block all but a single channel (N) from entering one port, pass all channels but (N) on the other port... The output port is the combination of the (N) only + the All but (N) ports. So, if you have many channels to mix together, you'll need many Jointenna or AC7 units, each configured to a specific real channel. The CMN7 option may or may not be more economical. The bottom line is, you would be venturing into the realm of designing, building and operating your own CATV head-end. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock if you ask tinlee for a price quote.
I would find a way to run more cable... or consider remote controlled RF switching... except I've already found Home Theater PC technology and network attached tuners:
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=13034