XTR (mostly) fell apart by themselves when that eventually came out and the XT was rapidly moved to the same system when compact came out but using a method that didn't fall apart (11tooth) ;-)
as for the bolts
I think so, we would grind/hit the tops off to separate the cogs or replacing warm one or going "modded to 8 speed".
The bolts are just for convenience, you didn't need them. it may help a little bit from individual movement but Shimano freehub bodies are tough.
ah.. found the bikepro link
http://www.bikepro.com/products/freewhe ... mcass.html