You're making an assumption that may not be true - that a Campy user can or wants to afford to use all Campy parts, especially in consumables. There were times when I couldn't afford to buy any Campy cables, and there are other times where I didn't have my cables with me, like at a race.

Yes, I think it would be a bad idea if someone filed too much of a cable head off, but I think that being able to adapt, say, a Shimano cable that is of otherwise high quality is not a bad thing to do. A rinky dink shop may not have a Campy cable in stock (or they may be asking an exorbitant amount of money for it) but they'll have tons of Shimano cables. Not all of us have a shop or wholesale connections.

For the record I've used a Shimano front derailleur for a very long time on my Campy drivetrain (most of the time, actually). Until recently I used Ultegra brake calipers (I like the QR on the calipers). I have a Miche cassette on one of my wheels. And I've been known to use a non-Campy front hub when building a wheel.

Having said that, I insist on having Campy chains, and yes, I have extra chains and I even have the chain tool. But in 8s, 9s, and 10s Ergo levers, I consider cables to be less critical. I regularly used Shimano cables for both brakes and derailleurs. If I went to 11s, I'd use Campy cables/housing for the derailleurs as that is part of their design upgrade for better shifting. For brakes? I'll use whatever I have when I build the bike.

Since the OP already used a non-Campy cable in an Ergo lever, there is no reason not to point out a way to make such a combination work effectively. This would save such users time and energy in the future.

cdr