Finally read through the whole thread - whew! Give these a whirl if you can spare the cash:
AeroCatch® - new design of bonnet pin, available in locking or non-locking versions – see how it works.........
Quite a few of the guys modding higher dollar sports cars use these in place of ugly pins that stick up through the hood or the cheapo quarter turn key lock hood pins/locks. They run about $100 a set.