Yeah scratch is pretty much junk food for them, it's like handing a kid a bag of candy before dinner and then wondering why they won't eat their veggies lol. The layer pellets are where the real protein and calcium are so if they fill up on corn they just stop laying. I went through the same thing, dropped to like 1 or 2 eggs a day and couldn't figure out what was wrong until I cut way back. Small handful at dusk is exactly the right move, gets them in the coop and they've already eaten their real food all day. Live and learn I guess.

Did you check if that IA has a personal stake in the local parts shop or a buddy who sells pre-terminated harnesses? I've seen guys get real picky when their side hustle depends on failing others' work. Also, his logbook signoff is his name on the line, so 2 thousandths might be his way of covering his own butt, not yours. Next time, ask him to show you the exact mil-spec page he's using and watch how fast he changes the subject. If he's got a reason, fine, but if it's just pride, that's on him, not your crimper.