Aaahh, sorry Ray, didn’t know it was you! But that’s exactly why Guests are asked to post using a constant handle of course, otherwise there could be multiple Guests and nobody’s sure who’s talking to whom!

Fred - I’ve found that there don’t seem to be many UK techs/luthiers who understand the benefits of bridge-slotting, so I don’t even bother asking them, I do the job myself - I’m reasonably handy with tools, I made my own slotting saw, and I have a set of needle-files that I use to smooth the slots after I’ve finished with the saw. I have one guitar that I’m not sure I’ll keep long-term, and that I haven’t slotted - it’s a year old now and I’m keeping a close eye on the (slotted) pins and the bridge-plate. Going forward, if I see any evidence of the plate and pins getting worn prematurely, I’ll slot the holes and fit solid pins, if not, I’ll leave it alone.

But, as I keep saying, it’s a personal choice. I’m persuaded (by some top-flight American luthiers including Collings) that bridge-slotting is the best route but, if someone is unsure, I guess they should leave their guitars be. I’m not trying to push anyone else to follow what I do.