Okay, since JC wrote something that was based on actual observations and posed questions about those observations, I thought I'd respond with questions of my own.

After reading his article and studying the photo of the fly in question, here are my questions:

* Is that the typical 'parachute' (style wise) used in that area?

* Do you think the amount of hackle was excessive and had something to do with the failure to 'hook up'?

* Do you think the angle of the abdomen/tail was excessive and had something to do with the failure to 'hook up'?

* It looks as if the hook used is a straight eye. Could that have had something to do with the failure to 'hook up'?

And finally,
* Were there other fly fishers who were using the exact same fly and were they experiencing the same problem JC described?

As far as a 'Rigid Post' on a parachute in relation to the problem JC described, here I will express an opinion, FWIW. I don't think it matters.

Allan