Brian,
I try not to stir up the mud too much,but I must take issue with
your assertion that only a "true pro" will reap the benefits of a
modded saw. I do not put myself in the pro category, but stacked
up against 10 people who run saws, I would say that I run them
more than 8, and the 1 in front of me has way more experience.
What I mean to say is that, just because I'm not a pro, doesn't
make me unable to use a modded saw to the best of my ability.
It just doesn't qualify me to say how the saw may perform day
in and day out. I would still, and always will recommend a
modded saw to anyone who is safe, well informed, keeps a
sharp chain or chains handy (regardless of who sharpened),
and wants to get the job done. I also agree that a modded saw
should not be pushed, but just offered as an alternative.
I wonder if Dennis ever got my 440 ARKTIK?