I have missed your last couple of posts for some reason. However, you have to remember that when building a Mountfleet model that are not meant to be "accurate" scale models of an individual vessel, more of a representation of the that vessel and it is up to the builder to put their own interpretation into it.
Artistic License. Oh yes, very much so! Wash Ports, I used the ones in the kit, but left a small gap at the bottom for drainage; I think your hinges will eventually size up but a good idea nonetheless.
The bottle screws on the mast are indeed a weak point and it's something I have to attend to.
The blocks are Ok but the holes need to be opened up using a small drill in a hand vice, lubricated by white spirit. I've never used the "rope" in the kit as I have some scale rope, for the standing rigging I use black carpet type thread which can be found in most haberdashers shops. The treads should of course be pulled through the block of bees wax supplied, before installing.
I found some pictures of the Sealight in the scrapyard at Troon and it was obvious that the bridge structure was not high enough, so I've increased height by around 10% or so.
I've attached some pictures of the Franks workshop model and my example.
A very nice model of that schooner BTW.
LB