"But this whole "perfect alignment" ideal is crap."


I will agree that the issue of alignment is overplayed and overrated.
Furthermore, alignment is difficult to qualify and quantify because
surface tables differ, bottom bracket stand-offs differ, and tools
for preparing bottom bracket faces differ. Some people align off the
drive side-others off the non-drive side. There are also the variations
in component tolerances, tube linearity, etcetera...

Maybe I'm coming from a different place but i don't see how an ideal
can be considered 'crap'. Sooner or later everyone making something
by hand may want to 'raise the bar' of quality. While I stated that the
alignment is , at best, misunderstood, I see no reason to underscore
the fact that having 'it' (alignment) is more desirable than not.

Along with proper fit, decent design, quality construction sequences, and
reliable materials, a frame built into alignment or one that was aligned into
spec will only enhance the riding experience, not detract from it. Br?ndon's
original text asked about what tolerances comprise perfect alignment.
Nothing is perfect. That fact by itself is ideal!

If you're shipping frames that are within .5mm over a meter's length, then
nobody should raise their eyes about that.
e-RICHIE