I've always thought the rubber on the ring clamp was simply cosmetic. Mine have never come off in 3 years. If they seem loose, I'll bet VPI will send you free replacements.
I think also that it's ridiculous for anyone to state that the JMW arms are only so good so don't mate them with a good or expensive cartridge. I realize there are probably "better" arms out there and these guys are certainly welcome to their opinions but doesn't this sound a little like a self fulfilling statement. Mate any arm with a lower level cartridge and it won't sound as good as the "better" arm with the expensive cartridge. Would you run a race in hiking boots because you're supposedly not as good as the other runners who get to wear running shoes?
I think also that it's ridiculous for anyone to state that the JMW arms are only so good so don't mate them with a good or expensive cartridge. I realize there are probably "better" arms out there and these guys are certainly welcome to their opinions but doesn't this sound a little like a self fulfilling statement. Mate any arm with a lower level cartridge and it won't sound as good as the "better" arm with the expensive cartridge. Would you run a race in hiking boots because you're supposedly not as good as the other runners who get to wear running shoes?