Honda did not believe that the bikes would still be going after 40+ years and also from what was said earlier if they had been changed there would have been no problem. Gordon in the US was doing the "Kits" to modify the frame but for the manufacturer to do it on the line would had added quite a unit cost and Honda were trying to keep the costs down hence crosspoint screws, unchromed top of fork tubes etc, might only be a few pounds here and there but when you look at the quantity made it don't half add up. When we were working on them regularly we developed a "knack" for fitting engines whilst retaining gonads in correct position but I agree that for the occasional mechanic/owner it's more difficult
I can also remember when they were in gasket sets and also a bag full of those little dampers that go between the fins, but same as everything else customers want the cheapest possible so bits are left out
