David,
I was responding to the claim that the video shows why the ruler trick is useful. If you haven't watched the video, I don't see how you are in a position to pass judgement.
If there is wear to be removed, and a wire edge, it will be significantly quicker and more reliable with the ruler trick.
I'll repeat what I said before: In the video, he works the back longer than is necessary without the ruler trick (given a properly flattened back). So how is it "significantly quicker?" If you want to come back and tell me that he is working the back a lot longer than you would, then that's a better argument. But I have a feeling he's not…
"For me, chairs and chairmaking are a means to an end. My real goal is to spend my days in a quiet, dustless shop doing hand work on an object that is beautiful, useful and fun to make." --Peter Galbert