astroman2
I would not want to lose a single frame, when it is completely avoidable
by intelligent programming, especially near the meridian, where the target
is in the best position regarding the atmosphere.
The actual meridian behavior of the AM5 simply is not "state of the art".
There is another aspect: Sometimes I have only several frames on the other
side of the meridian to take before I terminate. It is not worth while to
perform a flip (with the necessity to find a new guide star when using OAG)
for some frames only. This is true for both sides of the meridian. I very often
start 1 or 2 hours before the meridian (eastern). It's a much simplified workflow to
put the scope in the "wrong" position eastern of the meridian to avoid a flip... after the
meridian it will be in the "correct " position.
Most scope/tripod/pier combinations allow such a procedure. Of course I have to be
careful then and would not mind a warning by the software. But a warning is a different
thing than forcing me into a workflow that costs the most precious thing under the
stars: time.
A good mount design gives the option to configure the limits around the meridian.
Best examples are the 10micron mounts and the "Green Swamp Server" for Skywatcher
mounts. Both have a well made meridian design that is giving options to the user instead
of prescribing an inferior workflow. Both let the photographer decide how to
handle the scope within 3 hours on both sides! Also gotos within the limits are performed
staying on the "wrong" side if the user wants (otherwise plate solving would result
in a flip).
Both have a meridian design that was made by developers who listened to experienced
astrophotographers (or they were experienced astrophotographers themselves).