I hope this does not get buried under the 7D threads and I get some help from the kind souls out there.

I am planning to order today the RRS BH-40 ballhead with the B2AS II clamp and an L-plate for my 40D. I am first time ballhead buyer and need some help with the L-plate.

I have been reading several threads for research and found that the RRS L-plate for 40D cannot be snug with the camera if using with a remote release in vertical orientation. The L-plate must be moved a little distance from the camera.

Those of you who have the RRS L-plate - do you find it distracting to have to adjust the plate in such cases? Do you leave the plate away from the camera by default? Does it have any usability or stability issues if left that way?

I would consider buying a Kirk L-plate but I read that it may not work with the lever clamps from RRS and that it is compatible only with the RRS clamps with screw adjustment. Is that correct? Also, how does one center the camera with the Kirk L-plate? Unlike the RRS plate, it does not appear to have marks for centering the camera in the clamp.