"If Gene's theory is correct, and I have no reason to doubt him, then someone else besides Mr. Whalen has made/repaired/invented brass core chips."

My take on this whole fiasco is ... what's the difference if 50 Whalen's are out there "restoring" these chips? According to what I've read, there is "nothing wrong" with anyone "restoring" these abominations.... and there is "nothing wrong" with those who would contribute to the problem by buying Whalen's "restored" stuff.

Whalen has been given a clean bill of health.