Thanks for this link. Seems to be a concensus regarding the fact that rubber ages due to ozone and hydro-carbon exposure. Has anyone ever read anything from maybe a chemical journal or possibly from a manufacturer of these compounds that gave a specific description of the aging process and how it manifests in suspension components? I am presently using an older Empire low output MC that was stored for about 18 yrs. It tracks the HFNRR disc up to the most difficult track. I can't see any drawbacks yet; but I am still playing replaceable stuff.