Thank you Steve and Gary! The info/experience is much appreciated...
As I say I'm not rock-bashing this gorgeous cymbal. It is currently serving as ride/crash for this chill project I'm in - one very versatile cymbal to keep the kit footprint as small as possible for now, as we anticipate restaurant gigs with small stages at first...
The local drummer with the same name as is etched into the underside of the bell only seems to post to facebook when he has a show coming up. I will do nothing to the cymbal until he responds, or posts without responding, at which point I will likely go the brass grommet route. For some reason it just appeals to me, but I will be very careful about installation...
Again, thanks for taking the time to post advice and experience.
Mitch