Try this: Look at where your shift cable attaches to your front derailleur. Do you see a little finger that looks like it might be a cable guide? It's not a cable guide. In fact, the cable is designed to go OVER that little finger. That little bit of difference changes the leverage angle of the cable and greatly decreases the amount of cable tension that's necessary.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.