Way to go Bob, I love virtuals that people do on other peoples trees without actually seeing them and pretending that an improved virtual is somehow possible
On the other hand I agree with you. It is quite possible that the whole stub may be removed in the future. The foliage pad that you left is being supported by what remains of that stub. It could be reduced further, or removed in the branches off the main trunk decide to cooperate. I could take off as much as 2" of wood from that stub with no problem. I will wait and see what happens above and make decisions about that later in 2007.
Thanks, Al