BTs, Parish records, gaps etc. 1583-1700 (Announce)
Yes, only a last resort. However, the approach is completely non-destructive, though rather messy as those who have ever changed a laser printer graphite cartridge will testify.
I rather like the fine irony here: those with FOD ancestors who relied on carbon (coal) for their prosperity now relying on carbon (graphite) to reveal their ancestry.
Chris Morgan.