A plate will negate certain input from a rider, it will also negate some sensation the rider feels from the board. I think most assumptions about plates and what they can do for you are only assumtions based on the actual plate you get to ride. The single most important thing to remember about a plate on any board is it changes everything you once knew about a particular board. And with so many options now available the variables are going to be difficult to separate and allow one to analyse precisely what inputs or feedback is responsible for a difference you either feel or think you feel. As a side note, my peddle plates (2) are finished and one has a willing victim (tester). It will allow the comparison of three functions . It is a regular plate, it is a plate that can hinge in the middle,and it is a hinged plate that can swivel in the middle to allow peddling. If the tester is willing to post and report thats great but it's up to him. I sent him the plate because he admitted in public he was a peddler,aren't we all to some degree? I'm willing to argue Jacks point about wider stance on a plate to the degree that a plate smooths your ride so much that that the actual need for a riders stance to challenge rough conditions is reduced by the effect of the plate. but a wider stance is always more stable and more comfortable as well. The preference to position your stance closer to the nose on metal boards is an interesting one since the ability to stuff the nose of the board is one i felt a few times in sloppy or deep firm snow.Still not sure if boards need to get softer in the nose for plates or thinner in the middle any ideas anyone ?