Hi john, like you I was a bit suspicious of putting seven hex bolts directly into the chipboard sides of my 16"...posted this pic of my mod over in the beginner's thread:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...8&d=1323031171
The blocks and bolts now mean I don't have to dismantle the base if I want to put it all in the Magna. It also means it's a damn sight easier to lug out to the back patio from the garage.
The 16 is a little sticky in altitude motion, so I'm going to experiment this weekend with a variety of ideas to smooth it up without losing the necessary friction to stop it wandering in the breeze. The collimation knobs and springs are good, though. This version has good big knobs rather than screws. All in all, a great scope for the price....but I'm still waiting on the case of EP's Bintel promised me...