I've got 3 trucks out there running .028" ring gaps now, and none of them are burning more than 1/2 a quart of oil between oil changes, 3000-3500 mile intervals. About to be 4 of them. I just realized you were worrying about burning oil, so I thought I'd add that.

 

Thats good to hear you're having such great success with running a looser gap, not too mention the peace of mind that comes with it! I read your thread and saw the pictures, whether it was detonation or not I'm convinced! Oil consumption was a concern, but it's not a daily driver so 1/2 quart I can live with.