Let me help you solve this mystery in an easy manner. . . if you've studied magic for less than 5 years, chances are quite strong that you've NOT come up with something "new".
I know that sounds crass and negative but I can assure you that most of us have tile cabinets overflowing with "original" ideas that turned out to already exist, it's a very normal part of the process. . . even we old guys run into situations in which we believe we've reinvented the wheel only to realize that's not the case later on.
You mention "slights" which is the oldest side of magic which makes originality an even bigger question; variation is the norm and again, there is a reason for these slight "twists" to older techniques -- no two of us are alike and what works for one may not work the same way for another.
Given your secrecy and the drama you are building around this issue I'm betting that you're only real desire in this quest is a commercial goal -- poop it out there and make some quick cash. The wiser move is to keep it close to the vest for the next few years, build a reputation with it and then sell it at a higher price along with other "exclusive" materials. Too many people are eager to run to market and it ends up costing them in the long run. If you have something novel that is getting strong demand, protect it!
Banachek and I were talking once about getting work and how his publishing a hand full of books has hurt him in getting work.
Why? you ask.
Because now, every kid out there is learning his material and doing his act; why would a talent buyer pay premium price when they can get the same basic thing for less?
Sure, Steve has more experience and stronger credentials but sometimes that can work against you too; agents love them young & dumb as well as hungry. If you don't know why, you will in a few more years.
The moral of the story is however, to hold on to your intellectual material. Use to be magicians wouldn't release their secrets until the end of their careers. . . if that.
