I agree wholeheartedly and the general consensus is that the holes are a British Adaptation. I am trying to chase down a thread with a forend with lead bars but the plot thickens for now. But the subject longarm has been passed about with each custodian telling the future custodian, >>Good Luck, Hope You Figure it Out<<...... So as you say, a permanent change that is difficult to undo.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse