The screw has a sturdy actuating point with the clamp I'm using. The "new" actuator screw is titanium, and long enough to thread fairly deep into the FD, maybe just slightly )i.e. fractionally) than the original screw in a standard application (this was one of the design parameters of the new screw...longer, stronger, and depth into the unit). Outer cage plate/chain clearance is about 2mm, and while I've considered playing with this adjustment, I'm fearful of messing up the upshifts, the disadvantage of not having a cable is you can't give the FD that little "nudge" if the adjustment isn't quite there.

I know the Shimano "party-line" is not to make modifications, but if you can ever get one of their techs to discuss some of the product modificatrions they do, well, replacing a screw isn't that big of a deal, and after long-term use, if I break it, I won't seek out warranty work.

Thank for your input, very insightful. I've considered the double crank option, but more because, without the triple range, I would like to be able to interchange a standard and compact crank based on expected terrain and pilot strength. as