Originally posted by JohnRW:
Jake -
You're correct the parts aren't open, but there were/are (?) identical substitute parts, some available thru the dealer network, with metallurgy later than the middle-ages, that will last longer. And, of course, there are those internal replacement parts that are physically identical (size, weight, shape, profile, etc.) and not marked with manufacturer's codes, so the point becomes: "maybe we can't prove that they aren't legal, but we sure as hell can't prove that they are illegal"
(rules nerds are having seizures now). A subtle difference, for sure.