Nick, you are quite right as to the complexity issue and I am sure the good doctor will conceed that point. (Sorry it would appear not)As for the tail rotor cables, you are of course correct. An unfortunate maintenance error.
However there is no doubt as to the FOD aspect and having had the pleasure of working on all 3 tail rotor systems I do find that from a personal safety point of view a notar is a bonus.
PA News,
have a look through your course notes, the Doc might just be right, they are not interlinked if my memory serves me right. Didn't you fly it in october 2000?