[CB..]

one thing puzzles me---if --as is assumed-- the star-force drivers install from the disc, and if one were to un-install the SF drivers using the SF removal tool--(if you still had problems after the SF driver patch)

which drivers would re-install when you put the SH3 disc in the drive to play the game?

i tried an experiment and ran the SF removal tool restarted- as per the request- then ran the game--(with-out the disc in the drive)
the SF drivers re-installed from the hard drive- NOT from the game disc -
so given that neither the game un-install or the SF removal tool actually un-installs star force for good -one can only assume that unless your a bit of whizz with these things -once you've got SF on your system your stuck with it (the best you can do is deactivate it with the driver removal tool)

apolgies for the paranoia!!!