All good info, thanks.
In summary, it appears that the Ronstan is a good bit of gear but for a few hang-ups. IMO the price dictates it be better made and I wonder why Ronstan hasn't done more to correct the problems.
I've owned a few expensive Casio watches, now living in DJ's locker due to poor band durability. Casio were not keen to provide any warranty for this bad feature so Ronstan are ahead in this area but the inconvenience is still a pain.
I might have a look at Woolworth's (no Wal-Mart here) for an elcheapo for the moment and save my pennies for an RF4030, Clear Start.