What does 35 on the loos gauge relate to in lbs? How much prebend was in the mast (displacement at the spreaders from a string running from mast tip to foot). I ask to hopefully avoid the same.

Thinking about the spreader rake, less rake (i.e. closer to straight out at 90 degrees from the mast) would apply more direct pressure to the luff groove as the loads increase. More rake would apply more of a local shear load to the mast and tang rivets and might be easier on the luff groove. I wonder if maybe having more spreader rake might have reduced the loading in that area? Just a wild thought.