Ron, the 200 to 400 VDC was with an MSD ignition. As you know, the point stuff is really only like 9 VDC or so via the resistor.
We did get off track from your initial question and I guess I caused that by my "point of curiosity" question.
I concur with your statement though, about bypassing with an electronic box, that's more load through that transistor that I wouldn't want to see.