bobcat you are a great source of info for a newbie like me!

but as i newbie i'm lacking the sailing vocab, to quite work out what you're saying at times...

so forgive me if i recap and check

-you recommend taping the split rings on all the clevis pins that support the mast. ie side-stays, (shrouds) and forestay
because otherwise as the split rings age and open they can catch on things, be pulled off, cause the clevis pin to fall out, stay to come loose and mast to fall off the boat, right???

- on the jib, please check the attached pic, you mean take off the triangular stainless box fitting, (red x) that holds the front of the jib to the bridle wires/forestay and replace it with 2 loops of line tied to the bridle wires, (green and blue)

having to tie those 2 lines each time would slow down your jib raising for only a fractional advantage in jib shape wouldn't it???