I don't have a background in electronics, either, but I'd think 3 watts is
way
overkill from an electrical point of view, *but* a higher power rated
resistor
is also more robust from a mechanical point of view, and may stand up
better to
the vibration environment. Just an idea from an ignorant observer.

Dave

You summed up my thinking pretty close. I'm thinking if 3W is overkill,
what are the downsides of it? Shorter probe life? shorter gauge life?
shorter resistor life? If it doesn't detrimentally effect the operation of
either the probe or the gauge and the life of the components isn't
compromised, then the only downside I see is about $0.10. But like I said,
I don't have much knowledge in this area but I'm willing to learn so I defer
to the pros.

Thanks
Jim