I am aware of how the rings are arranged on a piston. Thanks for the refresher anyhow.

The point is, there is a difference from the 99s -WHY?? .002 isn't much, but it's a difference none the less. From an engineer's perspective, why change what works fine to begin with?

Also, if in fact "AFFECTED" applies to vehicles that have suffered compression problems (or maybe oil blow-by), why are we not aware of this?

This document is significant in terms of the fact that it is the FIRST time that I have ever seen Isuzu acknowledge a failure/defect/replacement procedure for the piston rings on these engines. The same piston rings that have been suspected of allowing drastic drops in oil level in numerous cases.

Notice:
When these bearing failures occur, there is almost always a sudden loss of oil (as read on the dipstick). Where'd it go? I'll bet a dollar to a dogturd that it went out the tailpipe. Combine faulty rings with dirty oil and a clogged "lube hole" in a bearing and BAM you need a new engine.

I check the oil level in both VXs at least once a week. It's a bother, but I like the smell of oil and I deal with it. Despite my preventative measures, I can still loose a motor in an instant (as has nearly happened, search "valve cover gasket"). My solution is to keep 1 engine's worth of $$ in the bank at all times, solely for the purpose of replacement. When I get some space, I'll just buy a motor and keep it in storage until the time comes. This solution may not work for everyone, but it easier than fighting some crappy warranty company and being without my truck for weeks waiting on parts.

This issue has been beat to death. I've already decided that going after Isuzu is a lost cause, hence the "motor fund."
The point for JagUSMC is, deal with your warranty company, not Isuzu.