[QUOTE=rickybails;12629312]It's because people like me snapped them. Actually it didn't so much snap, but crack over time, from the top of the slit at the QR and round. Luckily I noticed the creaking and the increasing looseness just before it would have snapped off completely.

That's interesting, I hope the fault was not common. I have either had the 'T' bar down at the QR area to hold a front bag, a Rixen Kaul Caddy bracket to do the same job or a bottle holder bracket. Having something wrapped tightly around the stem riser at the bottom may well just add the extra support that you needed.