(But what is also odd is that at the END of a truss, it starts to grow more leaves and then further trusses. Also along the the spine of the lower leaves, there are new shoots, not at the 'crotch' with the stem, but all along the leaf 'spine' Is this normal?)
Yes, this trait in tomatoes seems to be quite normal. I first saw it in a yellow tomato variety, but have also seen it in some red varieties. They become quite rambling and unmanageable, since new branches and flower trusses can be coming out from all over the place. This trait isn't a problem when the weather is hot and sunny and the tomato plant thinks it might live forever, but in this poor summer, when we are trying to direct its precious energy to the ripening fruit, the trait is a nuisance.
FYI I have seen a tomato variety that also seemed to have some natural climbing traits - the leaves could wind themselves around other plants for the support.