Originally Posted by
63_dorinte
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/n1np/Specialized/Specialized_HardRock_001.jpg
I don't want to ruin the frame, but it would be SO much more useful if the dropouts were cleared

Totally. It was a money saving move by the manufacturer and doesn't affect anything if you finish the slot. Just be careful of any heat build up and you should be good to go. Post pics of the final build.