The quote was definitely in reference to Gillan - Zep's first album had come out and was selling well so the buzz was already beginning to spread. It's also possible that the members of Purple Mk I had somehow crossed paths with Zeppelin in the States, during the latter's early tours. Maybe Blackmore witnessed the Zep audience response first-hand and realised that was where things were headed, hence Mk II?

I'm going to risk having my head ripped off here by saying that I don't think he's classically handsome. However, classical handsomeness is overrated IMO and dull as ditchwater. Jimmy is handsome in a unique, impossible to define way. I never get tired of looking at pictures of him like I would, say, David Beckham or someone else who's generally regarded as classically good-looking - there's just something about Jimmy that draws you in. Something about his elusiveness, his grace and elegance, his voice and eyes and hair and the way they all come together. He has a beautiful smile as well. Oh who am I kidding, he's bloody gorgeous.

Could the two titles in question be the working titles for songs that were later released under other names? Or the original versions of songs that were quite different in their finished (released) forms?

It must have been about three or four years ago now but he was quoted in passing that it would be fun to put it all down on paper one day, something like that. I haven't heard a peep since then so I assumed it was a throwaway quip. If it's happening, though, that would be all kinds of coolness.