don-issimo
there is so much merit in what you write here. but i don't
think it's relevent to the issue at hand - that the dropout
type cited has a casting shape that makes efficient wheel
changes by the team mechanic impossible.
uci regulations and marketing powers within the industry
of road bike producers definately live within an 'old boy'
system, but until you eliminate many, many generations
and layers that include support as part of the event, it
will be omnipresent. as such, the shape of a dropout,
type of manufacture not withstanding, should not be
a weak link in the chain.
e-RICHIE