Hi Chuck, as far as I know taping of sharp edges (bits on pedals, as you write) was compulsory on tracks, so there might be one explanation for that. I have a nice pair of old track pedals that is taped all over. Taping seat pins is logic, too.
But still, even given that some, if not many, race mechanics or amateur riders are rough-and-ready types as far as the material is concerned, to my mind taping brake cables to top tubes is messy and very unelegant. On bikes at least, form follows function, so there is something to be said for elegant solutions. All I wanted to say is that there were other solutions to that problem, and people did use them.
Right, I´m off in the 2CV truckette to collect another stash, although I don´t know what´s in it. Keep your fingers crossed. If there´s rolls and rolls of sticky tape, I`ll send some, Chuck.
Happy Easter to all, (Good grief, was that off-topic now?)
Toni Theilmeier, Belm, Germany.