Matthew,
It's not currently possible to change the font properties of a special section. It's something we could consider adding. It would just be a matter of wrapping the call to `convert_content_for_block sect` in a `theme_font` block.
> [small] in the main asciidoc file works for html output but seems not to reach the PDF chain.
We don't support the small role in the PDF converter. I actually think we shouldn't because it couples content and presentation. We have been discussing custom roles, which would allow you to add meaning to the small role or any other (more appropriately named) role.
Thanks for the compliments about the toolchain. We aim to please!