Hi SPJ,
The force may not exhibit the characteristics of chi as you believe them to be, but Lucas clearly modeled his idea of the force on chi and other phenomena.
To some, chi is a force and an energy and is transferable. I watched a special on BBC years ago that demonstrated an acupuncture man in Asia doing just that. He could spontaneously combust paper using his chi and transfer the energy during his treatments. His clients reported feeling the transfer as well!
Chi is within you and me and everything in the universe as well, just like the force. I am not saying the force is the same as chi, but the similarities cannot be ignored.
Personally I think the force would include chi, but be much more as well. Closer to the universal mind plus chi at the very least, if you recall Obi Wan and Yoda can sense through the force the loss of life on distant planets so that indicates to me a universal mind connection.
What are you thoughts?