My used Predator platform arrived this afternoon in the mailbox and it has some scarring on the main upright from the leveling bolt. Not too bad, but I can see what folks are concerned about. I cleaned it with isopropyl alcochol and cut a 1x1" piece of adhesvie backed velcro....the stiff or hook side and put it over the contact area. Then I double wrapped the head of the adjuster bolt with black duct tape. I plan to practice with it this spring/summer and see how it holds up. My TL EDP is still my #1 platform for mobile hunting, as the Predator was purchased to go along with pre-set sticks for quick entry hunts. Once it warms up outside, I plan to do some sponge painting over the existing rattle can effort and wrap the outer perimeter in camo paracord to deaden boot noise.