The function of the bolts is to effect the press fit of the crank arm flats to the spindle square taper. NOT to affix the crank arms on permanent basis.

Boy, listen to me. After studying both Barnet's and Southerland's Bicycle Manuals on this issue, not to mention Jobst Brandt's mechanical engineering oriented epistles, I'm a nickel expert.

But when push came to shove, it was sheldonbrown.com's archival legacy that proved the key.

btw, Southerland's also points out that the function of the crank arm covers is to prevent loss of the crank bolts...as once the initial tightening of the bolts is complete, their job is done and they may not remain that tight over time.