Hi again Drathbun,
I think we have all been here, as you indicate Bob Colosi figures in many threads.
Rearding the plastic pins, Guitarstrummer posted an interesting retort from Bozeman to the effect that they sent guitars out with plastic pins to save customers money as you indicate!
This on the basis that so many peeps changed pins that for them to use the cheapest meant that customers were not throwing out narwhal tusk pins (fitted elsewheare as standard) because they fancied replacement Siberian Sabre toothed tiger teeth pins.
You catch my drift I think.
The only problem with all this is access to replacement pins. IF there were a "standard size" for my 2004 SWD 12 I could just go to Bobs website choose what I needed and he'd send them to me.
But there isn't a standard size and to date I can't be assed to take one pin from the guitar, send it to Bob who can then send me 14 (2 spare) to fit.
One day I will make time!
In the meantime your point is well made!
BTW recognise the scratchplate on your album cover....nice one!