Well, now you're not making any sense at all. If you are daysailing
dinghies,

I'm making perfect sense.

There are no spreader plates under them and I don't like the present
mounting - too weak and too close to the hull. Making up plates involves
more metalwork than I'm willing to undertake at present.

No, you're not. And no need to get all snippy about it either. Do you really
think there is less work involved in pulling them all out, filling the holes
and fairing and painting the exterior than leaving them on and not pulling on
them until you need to? They lasted this long without tearing the deck apart.
If all you are looking for is someone to tell you it is OK, then go ahead, it
is OK.