I don't have the knowledge to engage in the larger issues here. But one thing I have long wondered about is if there is a correlation between the almost standard-issue "touchiness" of old-time gunsmiths and hearing loss.
Untreated hearing loss often causes emotional problems, especially in us silverbacks who are touchy and somewhat isolated anyway, and I wonder if it sometimes led to talented guys who constitutionally didn't suffer fools gladly getting to the point where they could suffer almost nobody gladly?
Just a thought from someone who has been around a while but has no other related expertise (But I do remember when we would all shoot a 4 3/4" .32-20 Colt or a 3 5/8" 7.65mm Luger all afternoon with no ear protection....not to mention .220 Swifts.).
