Hi doc-b,
The starter shaft pin is a definite weak point on the Nexus all right. Over the years I have gone through several of them. I have tried the roll pins, nails, piano wire, etc. I tried the small drill bit method and it worked great, never had another problem with the system after that. I do agree that when there is a problem with the system, something has to break and it's normally the weakest part. The original starter shaft pin was designed to sheer, the drill bit will not give as easily.
I wish you well and many happy landings.
