Any thoughts on a solid hickory platform under my tt

Most anti-vibration systems do indeed convert vibration into heat. It might be helpful to read this article from EAR, a leader in vibration dampening:

https://earglobal.com/media/9891/understandingdampingtechniques.pdf

With regards to a wooden base, I think you will find that the base will have greater effect if combined with another material such as aluminum or steel. The two layers will have different resonant frequencies and when in contact with each other will rob each other of that energy- the result being that the platform will considerably more 'dead'.

The device (DC player, preamp, turntable) should then be rigidly coupled into the platform via points of some sort. This will maximize the effect of the platform.

I have had great success ditching the mdf and i replaced the shelves with 1/2 "thick steel then audiopoints ,stand is filled with micro ball bearings on audiopoints again i use them on everything including my furman p2400 which is also outboard on 3/4 "steel with audiopoints same for my outboard power supply from my amp