Well I knew I was starting something when I started it, but I didn't know exactly what. I appologize if I steered the thread in a crazy direction, I am completely willing to discuss these issues in a different forum if that will let this thread keep on it's original path. That said, if people want to dig into it a little bit, they could invite me(all of us) to a different thread(I'm not sure I know how to start a new one myself at this point). As far as this topic, I'm quite sure I do have something to offer. I have set a sleeping platform 140ft in a redwood, that was completely suspended by ropes and webbing. This is the only good way to do it as far as I'm concerned, because I (as well as other recreational climbers) try and minimalize impact on the tree. I used 1in. tubular webbing to girth the tree with a wrap 3 pull 2. Then I used steel links (3300 lbs swl from a hardware store [biners are expensive]) to connect lengths of climb line as vertical supports. The platform was about 4 by 8' and had 8 places around the outside edge it was being supported by (smaller lengths of webbing wraped around structural timber [all recycled]). I have a couple pictures I will post as soon as I get the chance, but as far as tensioning and holding the weight, the climblines came down from the girth and went through more steel links (connected to the webbing grabbing the platform) and then back up to a directional eight knot, and then back down (creating mechanical advantage). pull tight, and secure with three half hitches and at least a four wrap barrel knot for each line untill level. We usually add some kind of rubber (usally an old tire) in between the platform and tree. 2in. webbing also helps to minimize impact. If your platfortm is sufficiently supported undernieth with studs and you use enough lines around the edge, it will hold as much weight as you can put on it. lateral supports and a bottom support will help keep in place in high wind. If it sounds complicated, keep in mind Iv'e had up to about five peoples worth of weight on that 4 by 8. A smaller one person set-up will be alot easier to hike out and haul up. I f you guys want to know about dreamcatchers, let me know. any Questions?