@heslopk I think the bell ringing is absolutely a personal choice. To me it's similar to people who felt I needed someone to sit with me during my infusions when personally, I would have been fine being on my own. There are things that have more meaning to some than others.
For me, the bell ring was emotional however I found that it was also an opportunity for some form of "celebration" for my hubby, son & his fiancée who had supported me over my six rounds of chemo. You are correct, it would be an interesting study.
I'm sorry you are experiencing such intense bone pain. No doubt March can't come soon enough.