Hmmm...can most PSU profs point out where I used the word "they" in the
above sentence?

"....when, in fact, they CAN, as long as they accept the
consequences...."

A) I don't give a damn about what "a great many people" think because
quantity over quality is rarely a good choice, B) No, it wouldn't be any
clearer because it couldn't be any clearer, at least to those who have
read a reasonable amount of the contemporary material and can understand
the general concept of legislative intent, and C - the "well-regulated
militia" portion is important, especially when taken into contemporary
context.

That's your opinion, to which you're entitled, but which is not shared
universally.

vince