Congtatulations on the big 80! I had no idea. Can't see you retiring with such a fun job. Thanks for the kudos on the Kingfisher, I still have it!

About the gear struts, some guys put a stitch in the middle of the strut to prevent drumming so you may see some with a "dollar patch" in the middle of the strut. Most guys cover that strut with "Heavy" fabric as opposed to the middle weight fabric just as a little insurance against damage.