Well the method that was used was harsh and I would not do it that way, I do appreciate the honesty. No smoke and mirrors here. I do not want to be the one to be the tweeker of a product. Leave that to the manufacturer. I think they call it R&D. This post stopped me from trying this product. I think I will stick with what I got for a while. And I dont think Bears customer service was ever in question so why bring that up again and again? Thanks stratos67 I appreciate the honesty. As I read other comments on the product Would it be good for sticks, you could add less salt or none at all cause it sinks and it is firm. Just my thoughts. Frank