shall keep them in mind sir for one day when a derailleur change is needed, thanks. Its good to get real world reports from someone who knows derailleurs and can describe the shifting feeling.

As for half-steps, I guess they were/are a big help with 6 speed stuff in keeping the jumps even and closer together. I've never ridden with half-steps, but can see why they arent used anymore because of the 9 and now 10s that are common. I personally appreciate less "backing and forthing" but understand how well half step works for a given gearing set.