Yeah, LATCH didn't change in 2005. That's nuts.
The description of the XTSL said that you never have to use the seatbelt (for vehicles equipped with LATCH). Didn't specify the year.
But in any case, I'm still wondering how they're going to pull this off.
Like I said in another post on the blow-your-mind thread, my understanding is that it is, indeed, the LATCH connectors that will fail before the LATCH anchors. And we all know that the (current stated) weight limits on LATCH anchors are pretty arbitrary, based on when car seats didn't go over 40 lbs, and used to protect vehicle manufacturers from liability.
But that doesn't mean we can suddenly tell people to ignore their stated limits. Now if Sunshine Kids wants to take on that liability, good for them.
(On a side note, I've said it before and I'll say it again: As far as I'm concerned, Honda has no limit. Yes, the LATCH Manual says it's 40 lbs. Yes, I have talked to a Honda engineer who says it's 40 lbs. But their manuals state NOTHING and even encourage people to use LATCH. If you call customer service, you're just as likely to get a "48-lbs" answer or a "defer to the car seat" answer as you are to get 40 lbs. Even a CS supervisor who supposedly checked with engineering told me that. So what is an average parent supposed to think? Are they supposed to listen to their vehicle manufacturer or take the word of some third-party publication?)
(Sorry to rant about LATCH, but the SK thing sort of begs the question.)
(FTR, I have two Hondas and I don't use LATCH past 40 lbs in either.)