NormK, there were other bases that certainly didn't have the Powertorque hole that I didn't photograph (maybe I should have), but more than half on display did, so they are most likely still churning out Powertorque compatible bases for lowest end models at least, capitalising on existing presses at the factory. Developing steel base pressings is a significant cost, so why not use a design that takes the Briggs? I guess it's not worth it to them to blank out the hole.
