This thread has been super-helpful & thanks for the contact details re the good Dr. My B is going in for its surgery soon, with the SH Dr. being available on the phone for consultation (nice guy).

I'm still going all-out on the A, however, and upgrading to Bosch sensors & the updated ECU & a few others things.

Unfortunately, the sole Beijing mechanic I trust is out west this month, supporting a bike tour. Hence, I will be hovering over the secondary mechanic, watching his every move on the B. Ugh ... won't that be fun? I wonder who will be killed first?

Does anyone in our circle have contacts for a high-end machine shop inside China? One that's able to design and manufacture high end parts using proper materials?