You bring up a valid point Nolan. I am not here questioning your, or anyone else's fabrication skills, or saying that the idea of a welded hard point is wrong. The rule there is in place for safety and liability to make the people that insure the event happy. I agree that needing to bolt a hard point on, but being able to fabricate a frame, suspension, axles, rollover protective structure, or anything else, and not have the integrity of it questioned is silly. I have argued this point to the powers that be, to no common ground. They will not even admit that I am correct in pointing out the contradiction in this...
Oh well.
I have not ever been in a situation that I have needed to weld a hard point on, or could not fabricate a bolt on one. I like the idea of being able to inspect the hard wear after a hard pull, and checking for elongated holes. Just something that I am used to I guess, but...
My seatbelt tabs are welded to my cradle, that my seat belts bolt to, my cradle system bolts to my cage, and the seats are bolted to that, and I welded all of that, I welded the roll cage, and the roof rack, the steering gear mount, that is welded to the frame, the front bumper and winch mount that is bolted to the frame, and on and on....
Trust me, I see your point.
Good luck!
-Steve