OK I have not read all the messages but here is my "Southern" sweet tea (I grew up down south)
1/2 gal plastic container
3/4 cup sugar (I cut down from 1 full cup) plus to taste
13 tea bags in about 2 cups water in microwave glass measuring cup, heat till HOT
pour over sugar in 1/2 gal container, stir until sugar is disolved
run hot water from faucet over tea bags, stir gently (don't want to break bags), add to 1/2 gal container, and repeat.
dispose of bags
add one container of ice cubes, add cold water to about 1/2 cup below fill line(leaving room for ice cubes to melt).
I always get compliements on my iced tea.