You don't have to be sorry Al, I do. I totally missed your last sentence in the first paragraph. Just like the in house inspector down here keeps missing totally missing welds even though I keep asking him for his documentation on this new clear weld his welders are using. Must be my eyesight, since I just had another birthday it looks like I need to go see my eye doctor again.
Probably bears repeating though. But I imagine the main argument centers around the bid price not including the additional time required to do the job that way. So now the arguing starts instead of just clearing it through the engineer and completing the job as required by the EOR.
Tom, I have been on both sides. I have been the welder, forman, fabrication shop owner, and the last few years, TPI. Weld symbols are not ALWAYS as clear as we could wish/hope. That is the function of the RFI and the responsibility of the engineer.
Especially on a larger job, I understand the predicament of not having included enough time to make that kind of change. But it may be required any way and I personally think you are standing on sinking sand. Good luck.
Have a Great Day, Brent