This thread is talking about exactly the same issues as
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=42549MOVED FROM AI TO TI--AKA PLAY SEEMS EXCESSIVE
which I started, and continue to post on. This thread also confirms the concerns Nohuhu and I expressed there about how these loose joints would wear (or not) over time. Owners are definitely experiencing deterioration over one or two seasons that risk the boat in rougher conditions.
Also, as I explained in the other thread, excessive motion in these joints creates kinetic or shock loads on the mast plate--which is a issue unless you have the newer weld. Broken welds are discussed here
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=33638TI FWD XBAR FAILURE
Personally, if nothing else comes of these discussions, I will probably epoxy the aka tubes into the pin assembly that inserts into the xbar. Larger screws or rivets will only solve the problem for a while. Larger holes wear and get larger as well. However, in doing the glue-up, I would still insert stainless screws to preserve the orientation of the aka in the assembly socket. Get that wrong, and the outer ends wont' insert into the ama's.
Personally, with around $8000 in this boat, trailer, and accessories, I need it to perform well, be safe, and hold its resale value. I expect all these issues will get worked out, but I don't think the loose joints can be ignored.
The requirement for strength in structures goes up generally as the cube (third power) of increases in size. So, since the TI is larger than the AI, these joints should, if anything, be stronger and tighter--certainly not looser.
I know it's all compromises, and it is wonderful to be able to disassemble so neatly and quickly. On the other hand, those of us who use the boats in rougher conditions may need to toughen up certain aspects. And the already loose joints should not get worse over a couple of seasons.
The harder question here is how to fix things, short of a serious redesign. Epoxying the pin assembly inserts into the xbar is not so attractive. However, since the vertical pin that the aka's swing in and out on is fairly tight, these two glue jobs would solve most of the problem. But then I might have to someday sell a boat with aka's that could not be removed, and deal during my ownership with not having the main hull ever free of these four tubes folded in along the sides.
I still think it's a great boat with a ton of wonderful design features put out by a wonderful company that cares about its products and its owners.