I was thinking about that, mostly in the "for want of a $2 piece of plastic, this?" kind of way. I do not believe I had a spoke protector, because my old mega-range 11-34 cassette probably didn't warrant it -- I'm not sure it would have been physically possible for the chain to jump off the high side.

I definitely did not specify to leave it off or remove it. But I did specify replacing the old mega-range cassette with an 11-30 or 11-32 cassette, and I didn't consider whether a spoke protector would be necessary. Of course, I also figure they're the experts and they'd tell me if a part were needed.

I know the shop has had some substantial turnover of mechanics the past few months, which is not comforting -- the old head mechanic was always good to me, took the time needed, etc... The last head mechanic seemed a bit 'off' in his personal interactions, which would be okay if he were a great wrench, but I'm not sure whether he was that. I'm not even sure whether they have a 'head' mechanic now. The owners are great guys, and fair wrenches in their own right (well, one is pretty good... the other is so-so, but he's a great bike guy in other ways, and he knows what he shouldn't mess with, generally). Unfortunately they've been less present at the shop lately.

I'd hate to have to find a new shop, but I'm getting worried.