[charlene]

more from Richard:
There was a factor which I had omitted, but was brought to my attention.

It is the slightly sharp tuning that Gordon always used until recently.
Yes that would have also been a huge factor in his reluctance to use a string section.
So that, plus the tempo variance I mentioned would certainly be the basis for his decision.

It is interesting that the very same tuning issue also arose at a benefit concert in 1976 in Boston. (I never did remember for what cause-was anybody there?)
On the bill with Gordon were the Osmonds as well as England Dan & John Ford Coley.

At the commencement of sound check we could hear Coley tinkling away on a backstage piano, which was, of course, tuned to concert pitch (A440)

So before I went back to the mixing console, I approached him and politely asked him if he would refrain until after the sound check.

I explained that Gordon always tuned a little sharp to concert to make the guitars ring better, and that the piano was distracting. He did.

After the sound check was over, he approached me as I was on my way to set up the onstage lighting.
He shook my hand and said (I will never forget this)

"Thank you. I don't think I've ever been told to go to hell in a nicer way."

As a contingent of Osmonds was also playing that night, I went to their dressing room to extend Gordon's invitation to visit us at any time.

I noticed an untouched case of beer, and, knowing they were Mormons, asked if they would mind if it disappeared. I got the go ahead, and the beer was shared all around.