GH, I agree actuall conversations with people actually involved carry alot more weight than, an article written by some unknown person (if this article even exists).
They people I've talked with, to removed the back plate as well, they never really said why. They almost were always on foot patrol, so the "driving" reason wouldnt hold up.
Wasnt trying to cast doubt on your statement, it just seemed to me that maybe for once TK was saying something that could be confirmed by others.