In a message dated 98-11-19 07:58:18 EST, you write:
 
<< Wasn't your mention of the spine plug a spoof? >>
 
not at all.  There are too many spine plug assemblies that consist of a
thinnish coverplate that, when it is screwed into the case, is not strong
enough to withstand the leveraged force of 4' or 8' registers forced against
them.
 
OR:
 
Their screws are too close to the top of the belly rail and wrestplank, and
therefore are smaller and/or shorter, less tightly drilled, and therefore more
easily stripped.
 
I repeat, it's no use having any amount of musical excellence if you can't
access it reliably.
 
Tyre,
Dunedin