The Sterlingworth "swamped as much as possible" sounds beyond English and more like some French doubles. The bead does "float" out there--still not sure if I like it, but shoot it well. I like some of the ribs (i.e. on one Elsie) that have a herringbone effect down the sides, which leads my eye to the center. Probably takes more work to do them that way. I do not favor the polished ribs on Ayas I have handled.

Steve