You're correct about the wires not being deep enough in STS concaves -- when we hardface a set of concaves we add height to the crossbars in order to provide a 3_8" depth above the wires in order to make the concaves more aggressive at retarding the crop flow. Haven't done this for rice on STS machines, as yet, but have done it for STS operators in other areas for some fairly tough threshing wheat and other crops. We've done this for years on IH machines in rice, and the difference in thresh is usually very dramatic. We also have a modified rotor which uses 18" rasp type bars as opposed to the short OEM elements which allow crop material to escape past them. These bars provide a better sweep across the concaves, maintaining thrust against concave crossbars and a more even load. We also provide a separation strip at the rear of the rotor to give some protection to the tine mounts and to move trash away from the rotor skin. email for info if you'd like.