Glad the votes are in and the conclusion is clear. Certitude is always
comforting and anecdotal evidence is too often compelling.

Nonetheless, I am moved to comment that the chrome strips are a metallic
appearing (for a while) locking strip. I sent to the list, some time ago, a
set of admittedly semi-quantitative results on the strength of the seal with
and without the chrome strip. I also posted on the ease of replacing the
strip. (Insert the archive word here). Of course, if your former elastomer
seal has degraded to the consistency of bituminous coal, the effect will be
minimal.

Improve the design at your leisure!

Frank Grunthaner