Gucky

Yes, that's correct. I just ordered a new head for my new-to-arrive GM 1000 mount. The price was about $ 150. When I switched from the ED100 to the somewhat heavier TSA-120, replacing the tripod was the first step for continued stability and to at least have a base as long as I couln't afford the new mount. To be clear: I didn't replace the tripod to overcome guiding problems. Having read through your PHD2-guiding-thread I doubt that these spikes are caused by the tripod. As I'm using a MGEN guider I can't comment on that further (except recommending the guider of course ;- ). Good luck!

A Berlebach upgrade is well worth the price. It'll probably last forever. Just take into account that your whole setup then probably will look a bit undermounted, as mine did ;- )

About 1 year ago, december 2014, I read a lot about Lovejoy. Then I tried with my EOS500D and the EF24-70 f/2.8L USM at 24 mm and appearantly found it: a few weeks later I had the Skywatcher 100ED and got this:

My dreamscope, still a bit undermounted... ;- )