Hi Frank, Gino, et al,
Yes, it's too bad she had such restrictions placed on her that she wasn't even "permitted" to solicit outside expert opinions or do anything beyond replacing caps or whatever. It's almost a surprise they'd allow her to find new replacement components, as opposed to "vintage" resistors & caps from some out-of-the-way electronics house that still has old stock. Too bad they "clipped the wings" of someone apparently so qualified and promising.
For an actual "restoration," I think I'd have begun with emptying the cabinet completely and taking a fire hose to it! Apparently the current owner wants it to look "aged," or even older than it actually is. They probably also love the all-too-common "relic'd" guitars, 2017-ish instruments finished by their manufacturers to look like their '50s or '60s originals. For the most part, to me they too often look more like the poor things had a fight with a lawnmower... and lost! Never got that whole thing. I appreciate "well-loved," but from natural wear by someone who's at least taken care of their instrument. Aside from Alison's internal work, this poor Mellotron looks like a flood victim!
Anyway, yes, too bad this conscientious tech had so many limitations. It would've been exciting to see what she'd done had she been allowed.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!
Cheers!