I just read through all of that haha
1. George at Union is THE MAN!! He's always helped me with any issues I've had over the years, and he helped hook me up for a school project I did on machining processes a few years back!
2. I've ridden every pair of forces between 2007 and 2012 and I'VE NEVER HAD TOE STRAP OR TOE RATCHET ISSUES. I honestly think it's gotta be certain types of boots or people's inability to properly adjust their straps.