[jtiner]

I've always avoided j-hook connections and leaving old leads in place unless it's a really unreachable or very delicate area/component. Having said that, it's a neatness/order thing for me and I know some people prefer to use j-hooks. If you do any amount of electronics work on a recurring basis, one thing I recommend is making the investment in a good de-soldering tool like the Hakko vacuum gun if you don't already have one. I used a spring loaded tool and braid exclusively for 30 years and finally dropped the $300 or so for the Hakko and realize I should have purchased one years ago. Good luck with your 42-1003, and keep us posted.