if it works for you who cares. I have an 83 timpte that was 5 yrs old when I got it, and it has no holes anywhere. I drive over a lot of rock roads too, and really don't think this is an issue, except for tire destruction which is pretty miserable, but this does not discriminate between construction materials of the trailer. If you can weld steel, you can weld aluminum. Takes a different approach, and a wire welder with a spool gun to happen easily, but it is easy. I would rather have the rivets than welded construction, because when the trailer gets put in a place the driver shouldn't have, (twist)it will pop rivets, which are easily replaced. Welded trailer will never be the same, and can be ruined if pushed far enough. You can rebuild the complete trailer on a riveted one just by putting on whatever slopes, struts, or frame rails, and you can end up with a new one if you want. This is just what I have seen done in the shop where I got this thing, they repair a lot of trailers and some come in there behind a wrecker and still get rebuilt. Changed my whole attitude on aluminum, because I thought just like you at first. I gave 11,700 for mine when I got it, and it is still worth about 10 now. Also, I have not welded on it yet..luckyIJ maybe. I am just saying the aluminum does cost more, but will trade back in longer life, and resale will not burn up as much of your investment. Sorry to hear you have a mainainer man who learned in the same school ours did. Too bad they can't figure out that leaving a windrow of weeds six feet wide narrows the road just as much. gs