A regrind and shells would most likely work out cheaper than sourcing another crank. You'd re-shell it anyway as a matter of course.
I've built several motors from the cases upwards, and yes, i always apply "best practices" so as to build a good, reliable motor.
If i was asked about balancing as part of a DD build, then i wouldn't have a problem having it done. I don't interpret it as being outside the rules.
The cranks are balanced at the factory. Further checking/balancing is merely checking that it's as close to optimium as possible. No different to setting the squish, filing the piston rings to make sure the gap is spot on, setting valve clearances, setting the air gaps on the pick ups........ There's more benefit to be had adjusting those than checking/having the crank balanced.
Who's to say that nog's crank went away, was checked and nothing needed doing? More than possible.
If i was asked to have the crank webs machined away and knife edged, then i'd suggest they take it somewhere else, if i was asked about balancing then i don't see the problem.
May well get asked a lot more now than in the last few years after this rivetting read
