Kids rides and height measurement

I completely disagree with the height requirement being truly the "safe to ride" measurement. The parks set the requirement and they will increase it above what the manufacturer's recommend. Mostly for legal reasons, less chance of something to go wrong if they are over the manufacturer's minimum.

Also, to prove that CP, and Cedar Fair as a whole, is more conservative than other parks, compare the height requirements for various rides at other parks. They are all considerably lower, sometimes over 6" less.

So, if they are already over the manufacturer's height requirement because of the company increase then using the metal swing arm to deny a child really becomes pointless.

Not pointless at all. Its the determining factor in what is allowed by policy and what is not. Its the difference between; Lawsuit A) they allowed my child on the ride even though they were under the safe height requirement, give me all your money. Lawsuit B) the park followed manufacturer and internal policies for safety to the letter. I want money even though these policies guidelines were met and deemed safe.